“Happy to continue as deputy CM”: DK Shivakumar as Karnataka Congress leadership row drags on
Addressing the media at the Karnataka Bhawan in New Delhi, Shivakumar said rumors about internal differences or meetings with Congress high commands existed only in the media.
Shutting down questions about a possible leadership change or rotational chief ministership in Karnataka, he said, “I am not meeting anyone from the AICC high command. I am happy to continue as Deputy Chief Minister. I love being a party worker.”
Responding to repeated questions from the media, Shivakumar emphasized that no name should be subjected to speculation and any decision regarding the leadership rests entirely with the Congress party. “The Congress party can take a decision at any time. Whatever the leadership decides will be accepted,” he said.
On questions regarding Priyanka Gandhi’s role or speculations about her as the prime ministerial candidate, Shivakumar said, “I am not aware of these issues. My leader is the AICC president and my opposition leader is Rahul Gandhi.”
He also declined to comment on issues such as air pollution and stated that he did not want to comment outside the briefing. He advised journalists to speak to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on questions regarding a possible cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka.
The Deputy CM reiterated that his visit to Delhi was purely administrative and not political. A day earlier, Shivakumar had announced that he was in the national capital to meet Union Ministers on state-related issues, including irrigation and urban development.
“I did not come here for politics. I do not want to comment on other political issues that are not on the agenda at the moment,” he said.
The renewed speculations come as the Karnataka government recently reached the halfway mark of its term, reviving rumors of a “two-and-a-half-year” power-sharing arrangement. However, Shivakumar categorically rejected such arguments.
