Bengaluru, Nov 1 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed the ongoing leadership controversy and potential power-sharing arrangements on Saturday. He emphasized that the victory of 136 Assembly constituencies by the Congress in the recent 2023 elections was primarily due to the solidarity between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar made these remarks while interacting with the media after paying homage to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari near Vidhana Soudha and observing the parade salute at the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations held for school students at Kanteerava Stadium.

When asked about the so-called ‘November Revolution’ and any potential leadership changes, Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress President, asserted: "What the Chief Minister and I discuss is what truly matters; third-party opinions are irrelevant."

In response to inquiries about their unity, he remarked: "Our collaboration is the reason we initially secured 135 constituencies, which later grew to 136. Now, our strength has further expanded to 140 due to independent MLAs joining us."

On whether he envisions a future scenario where he would hoist the Rajyotsava flag, he countered: "What do you think I just did at the stadium?"

Regarding the opposition to the Bengaluru tunnel project, Shivakumar expressed: "I am open to establishing a committee led by Opposition Leader R. Ashoka to oversee the Tunnel Road project. The entry and exit points near Lalbagh will be developed at the locations he recommended."

He added, "Ashoka should not resort to protests. He has been elected multiple times from Bengaluru and has obligations here as well. The committee he leads can provide suggestions to the government, and he should supervise the Tunnel Road project. Anyone suggested by Ashwath Narayan or others will also be included. We must collaborate — and we will!"

Shivakumar mentioned that he inspected possible entry points for the Tunnel Road in the Lalbagh area on Friday night, exploring alternative routes and reassuring that there’s no cause for concern.

When asked about police officers taking selfies with members of the Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti (MES) who were commemorating Black Day during Kannada Rajyotsava in Belagavi, Shivakumar replied: "We aim to bring about change among MES members. They operate as a single organization in Karnataka, yet they are Kannadigas too."

He emphasized, "If they wish to reside in Karnataka, they need to identify as Kannadigas. Everyone here must learn and use Kannada. Those who inhabit this land must contribute to the growth of the Kannada language. For further related issues, the Home Minister will provide more information."