Amid growing support within and outside the party for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to become Chief Minister, the Karnataka Congress President asserted on Saturday that his candidacy would be decided solely by the party's high command based on his performance.
Addressing reporters at his Bengaluru residence, Shivakumar clarified, “There's no discussion about the Deputy Chief Minister's position, nor should we speculate about the Chief Minister's role. The recent endorsement by Pontiff Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swami was an expression of goodwill towards me. I urge against any further endorsements; the high command will evaluate my work.”
He added firmly, “A consensus has been reached with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and the Chief Minister on the best course of action for Karnataka's interests. It's unnecessary for MLAs, ministers, or religious leaders to weigh in.”
“If they wish to support me, their prayers suffice. I discourage ministers from making public statements about the Deputy CM or CM roles; any further indiscretions may warrant notices from the AICC,” Shivakumar cautioned.
Underscoring the importance of discipline within the party, Shivakumar stressed, “We've toiled hard to bring the party into power. For the party's sake, I urge everyone to maintain decorum. I respectfully request religious leaders to refrain from political involvement.”
Regarding a recent meeting with MPs and Union Ministers in New Delhi, Shivakumar noted, “We met with all our MPs and most Union Ministers. Despite political differences, they pledged cooperation for Karnataka's benefit. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured us of fulfilling Karnataka's commitments.”
“Technical issues were cited regarding the Upper Bhadra Project; we've provided all necessary documents. Former CMs Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar are well-informed about the Mahadayi project. I trust Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and others will pursue these matters diligently,” he remarked.
“Yesterday, we discussed state project impediments with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. We're coordinating with local MLAs and ministers to address issues. Farmer demands for project alterations are impractical, but we'll engage with them constructively,” Shivakumar added.
He concluded, “Tonight, I'm scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 8 PM, alongside the Chief Minister.”
This version maintains the essence and quotations from the original text while presenting the information in a rephrased manner.
Read also | BSP and ASP Set to Compete in Full Slate of UP Assembly By-Elections
Read also | BJP Clarifies: Leader of Opposition Role Defined Statutorily, Not Constitutionally
