Bengaluru, Jan 8 (NationPress) In light of the high command's recent decision to name him as the senior observer for the forthcoming Assam Assembly elections, Deputy Chief Minister and President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, D.K. Shivakumar, stated that he had no choice but to embrace this new role.

While addressing the press in Bengaluru on Thursday, Shivakumar remarked, “I don’t have any choice. Whatever the party requests, I must comply. As a committed member of the Congress, I am here to serve the party. I have just reviewed the AICC press statement. They have instructed me to proceed to Assam. I’ve previously been tasked with responsibilities in Assam, and they want me to do so again.”

It is significant to mention that Shivakumar is viewed as a strong candidate for the Chief Minister position in Karnataka. Recently, following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's achievement of becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister in the state’s history, conversations regarding a potential change in leadership have resurfaced.

This announcement from the party high command clearly indicates that they are currently not inclined to pursue a leadership transition within the state. Reports suggest that the high command is also involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in campaigning efforts in Kerala to strengthen the AHINDA voter base.

Further insights revealed that Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar was optimistic about a change in leadership post the Sankranti festival, which occurs in mid-January. However, following a recent electoral setback in Bihar, the AICC is believed to have revised its strategy and stance on crucial political matters.

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed that one could only remain in politics as long as they have the support of the populace, and he intends to continue in public service as long as such backing exists. When asked about the possibility of completing a full term as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah replied that the party high command would determine that outcome and expressed his desire to finish the term.

On the day Siddaramaiah matched the record of former Chief Minister late D. Devaraja Urs as the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, supporters from both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's factions made conflicting statements about the leadership situation.

While supporters of the Chief Minister argued that it would be challenging to govern without Siddaramaiah, an MLA aligned with Shivakumar's faction stated that the Chief Minister ought to mentor the next generation of leaders and expressed confidence that Siddaramaiah would act responsibly to facilitate a smooth transition.

In response to comments from Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy regarding alleged interference, Deputy CM Shivakumar stated, “Mr. Kumaraswamy, I possess more experience than you. My administrative experience exceeds yours. Although I may not have held the Chief Minister position, I understand whom to contact, what actions to take, and how to accomplish tasks. I have extensive experience as a minister and a solid grasp of administration. I don’t require any lessons from Kumaraswamy.”