Bengaluru, March 19 (NationPress) In the midst of a leadership conflict, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar stated on Thursday that only time will reveal whether a Cabinet reshuffle or a power-sharing arrangement will take place in the state.

Shivakumar is recognized as a strong candidate for the Chief Minister’s role and has previously discussed a power-sharing agreement between himself and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with the party’s high command present.

While addressing reporters at his residence in Bengaluru, the Deputy Chief Minister, when asked about the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle or a power-sharing agreement, remarked: “Time will decide.” Upon being queried about a separate meeting with Priyanka Gandhi, he responded: “I’m not going to discuss that. I will not disclose what was discussed with whom. Time will decide.”

Regarding AICC General Secretary and MP K.C. Venugopal’s assertion that the Chief Minister’s position is not vacant, he stated: “Yes, he has mentioned that the post is not vacant. However, he has also indicated that the party and the MLAs will make that decision.”

When inquired about the Congress candidates for the upcoming by-elections in two Assembly segments, he mentioned: “Over the last two months, I have gathered reports from all levels, starting from the booth level. Our team of leaders has visited and provided their insights. I have also spoken to some individuals myself. In the next two or three days, AICC secretaries will arrive.”

“The Chief Minister and I have deliberated on what actions need to be taken in the two constituencies. I cannot publicly disclose this information. The party’s success is paramount, and keeping the party’s interest at heart, the Chief Minister and I will present our perspectives. The ‘B’ form will be distributed according to the high command’s directive.”

When asked if a ticket would be awarded to a family member in both constituencies, he pointed out: “Family is not the priority here; the party’s success is what matters. We must operate according to the party's directives, as both constituencies are significant seats associated with prominent leaders.”

“The late Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s Davanagere South constituency is represented by the president of the Veerashaiva Mahasabha. Minorities are also crucial there, having provided support for a long time. Their proposal is also on the table. We need to confer with everyone and resolve this matter. Leaders who did not secure a ticket in the last election have been assigned positions.”

When asked about clarity on who should receive the ticket and who is likely to win, he said: “At this juncture, what the party and the workers assert holds more weight than my personal opinions or survey results.”

In response to Union Minister late Ananth Kumar’s daughter Aishwarya’s remarks that “Karnataka is becoming a cash cow for the Assam elections,” he replied: “I do not recognize her. We also possess cows at home — has she seen them? We raise cows that were gifted to us in our cowshed.”

“We have conducted discussions with leaders regarding the Assam elections. A Zoom meeting is scheduled for today as well. A campaign schedule will also be formulated,” he remarked.

When asked about calls for a Cabinet reshuffle and the consideration of new faces, he remarked: “What is wrong with aspiring to become a minister? The Chief Minister has indeed indicated that a Cabinet reshuffle will occur, hasn’t he? Recognizing that a vacancy exists following his statement, they are attempting their luck.”