Karnataka: What DK Shivakumar said on speculation surrounding CM position and about CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday maintained silence on speculation surrounding the Chief Ministerial position.
Stressing the importance of party unity, Shivakumar said here that the matter is confidential among senior party leaders. He said, "The party's survival is paramount. Our CM is a senior leader and a valuable asset, having completed seven and a half years in office. He has also expressed his commitment to present the next budget, which is a positive sign for all of us."
Notably, the Deputy CM accompanied Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to the airport in his car, but declined to comment on his conversation with Kharge. Shivakumar is considered a contender for the Chief Ministerial position after the government completes two and a half years in office, and speculation is rife in the state's political circles.
'We must unite to focus on 2028 Assembly elections'
Shivakumar said, "I have acted according to my conscience. Siddaramaiah has strengthened the party, and we must unite to focus on the 2028 Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections." He said that the public support in the constituencies reflects confidence not only in him, but also in the party's collective leadership. Regarding the MLAs' visit to Delhi, he said that those who wanted ministerial posts had gone.
Responding to comments made by the Chief Minister's Economic Advisor and former Minister Sadananda Gowda on power-sharing, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "I am not in a position to speak on anyone else's behalf or comment on their statements."
Shivakumar said, "No party can survive without a strong foundation. Just as local bodies and panchayats are important assets, so are our leaders and workers."
Prakash Kumar Pandey