Bengaluru, Feb 3 (NationPress) Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has affirmed that there is no internal conflict regarding leadership within the Congress-led government involving himself and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar addressed the Assembly on Monday in response to remarks from the Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, who had raised concerns about a supposed leadership struggle, alluding to Shivakumar's ambiguous social media posts.

Ashoka remarked, “For the past month, D.K. Shivakumar’s speeches and tweets seem to indicate that things are not going smoothly. His cryptic messages convey multiple meanings, leading to confusion among many, including those in the ruling party.”

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar responded, “We have overcome numerous challenges to achieve our current strength of 139 MLAs. We are united, along with Siddaramaiah.”

“We have made our commitments, and we will uphold them. There is no crisis. I stand firmly with him now and will do so in the future. There is no ambiguity here. He supports me during my challenges, and I will do the same for him,” Shivakumar asserted.

He added, “Ashoka, you are an experienced politician. I remain unfazed by external comments. Having started as a student leader, I have maintained my core values. The party nominated me as a young candidate, and I have advanced to this role.”

“Politics naturally has its ups and downs. I have witnessed many leaders rise and fall. I have experienced setbacks, but I have also risen again, including enduring imprisonment. In a month, I will complete six years as the party president,” he noted.

“Siddaramaiah is fully aligned with me. There’s no doubt about that. Together, we are working in harmony and supporting one another, and we will persist in doing so,” stated Shivakumar.

“We made a commitment to the people, and we are dedicated to fulfilling that promise. There should be no uncertainty about this. I have been there for him in tough times, and he will be there for me,” he emphasized.

Shivakumar defended CM Siddaramaiah against opposition attacks linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, where Siddaramaiah is named as the primary accused.

When Ashoka pressed for clarification on his tweets suggesting a leadership struggle, Shivakumar replied, “Your interpretation of my posts on social media is subjective.”

Regarding his comments about patience, he stated, “I cannot respond to every critique. In both our party and yours (BJP), it is the party that holds sway; mere numbers are inconsequential.”

“In your (BJP) administration, numerous Chief Ministers have been replaced, and cabinets reshuffled. Thus, I will not be intimidated by your words. There’s no need for undue concern,” he added.

Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Aravind Bellad interjected, “We acknowledge your strength. Previously, when late S.M. Krishna was Chief Minister, you (Shivakumar) had to struggle to attain a ministerial position. Will history repeat itself?”

Shivakumar had earlier mentioned that he had to push through obstacles to secure his ministerial role.

He concluded, “In politics, anything is possible. It is the art of possibilities. One courageous individual can sway the majority. With determination, one person can make a difference. We will see how the 2028 Assembly elections unfold.”

Earlier, opposition MLAs interrupted CM Siddaramaiah during his address in the Assembly, mocking him regarding the supposed leadership struggle.

In response, D.K. Shivakumar stated, “Time will reveal the truth. Let it unfold.”

Targeting CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar, Ashoka remarked, “What is transpiring between you two is confusion. Focus on resolving the disarray within your party.”