D.K. Shivakumar

In a statement to the press on Tuesday, Deve Gowda emphasized that the decision to nominate Kumaraswamy, also the JD(S) state president, for the Lok Sabha elections in Mandya stemmed from growing public demand. "There has been a significant demand from the public for Kumaraswamy to contest from Mandya. During our core committee meeting, all members echoed this sentiment," Deve Gowda affirmed.

Expanding on the extent of the crisis, Shivakumar emphasized that Bengaluru Rural and Ramanagar districts are also grappling with water scarcity. However, he reassured the public that measures are being taken to mitigate the situation, including the potential importation of water to address any emergencies. Urging for calm, Shivakumar stressed the importance of understanding the value of water amidst these challenges.

According to insiders, this demand has emerged as a countermeasure to thwart any efforts by Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President, DK Shivakumar, to lay claim to the CM's position for a 2.5-year tenure.

Regarding appointments to Boards and Corporations, Shivakumar clarified that the Congress High Command had not altered any lists but had approved those submitted by them. He emphasized that appointments were made after thorough discussions, considering various opinions, although the recommendations in support couldn't be made public.

He pointed out that names of prominent leaders, including Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, Hariprasad, and Krishna Byregowa, contain references to Hindu deities, asserting that Hindu religion is not the exclusive domain of the BJP.

While the CM Siddaramaiah-led state cabinet retracted consent for a CBI inquiry against Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar in a DA case, signs of internal strife emerged within the grand old party.

Reacting to remarks made in this regard by Congress MLA Ganiga Ravi, he said, "We know this conspiracy. There are prominent leaders behind it. However, nothing will work." He maintained that he would request and warn the party MLAs not to issue statements before the media on party's internal matters, government and the power sharing.