Belagavi, Dec 9 (NationPress) Amidst the ongoing leadership conflict, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state President, D.K. Shivakumar, has asserted that there is no confusion within the party and that he holds no disagreements with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

“Previously, there was no discord, there is none at present, and there won’t be any in the future,” he stated.

His remarks came in response to media inquiries regarding statements made by CM Siddaramaiah’s son, MLC Yathindra, which were perceived to have stirred confusion within the ruling party.

In reaction to Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s assertion that the high command had dismissed Shivakumar’s aspirations for the Chief Minister position and confirmed that Siddaramaiah would serve his full term, the Deputy CM remarked, “I am unsure about what he has conveyed. I will discuss this with him.”

When questioned about the anticipated meeting with the party high command in Delhi, Shivakumar indicated uncertainty, stating, “I cannot reveal when they will summon me to Delhi.”

Regarding the potential issuance of a notice to Yathindra for his repeated comments concerning the Chief Minister’s role, Shivakumar said he would consider the matter later.

Earlier that day, Shivakumar responded to Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s remarks about the Chief Minister’s position, expressing his happiness and wishing for everything to proceed smoothly.

Yathindra Siddaramaiah had declared on Monday that CM Siddaramaiah would fulfill his complete term and that the high command had rejected D.K. Shivakumar’s claims to the post.

Speaking in Bengaluru before heading to Belagavi on Tuesday, Shivakumar stated, “I am very pleased. I wish for everything to be good for the state,” when asked about Yathindra’s comments.

Upon his arrival at Sambra Airport in Belagavi for the state legislature’s winter session, his supporters chanted slogans in his favor, declaring “Shivakumar next CM.”

According to party sources, this showed a reaction to Yathindra’s earlier statement in Belagavi, asserting that Siddaramaiah would complete his five-year term as Chief Minister.

In the meantime, Congress MLC Channaraj Hattiholi shared a social media post welcoming the Deputy Chief Minister to Belagavi, referring to him as “Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar,” which garnered public attention. Channaraj is the sibling of Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, a close ally of Shivakumar.

MLC Channaraj later clarified that it was a mistake made by the social media handler and he had retracted the post. His sister, Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, also confirmed that it was an error on the part of the social media team.

“My brother and I are loyal members of the party, and we will not defy any directives from the high command,” she commented.

In discussions with the media on Tuesday, MLC Channaraj noted that given both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar have pledged to adhere to the high command’s decisions, along with senior leaders echoing the same sentiment, Yathindra’s statement was unwarranted.

“Given that the high command has indicated it will make an appropriate decision, we must wait for that,” he added.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy commented on the situation, stating there was no confusion within the party, with the high command’s decisions being final. When questioned about the lack of action against Yathindra for his recurrent comments on leadership issues, the minister emphasized that leaders should exercise caution and responsibility when making public declarations.

Yathindra Siddaramaiah remarked on Monday that those speculating about a change in the Chief Minister’s role were merely “dreaming.”

He stated that the Congress high command had clarified there would be no alterations in leadership within the state.

He added, “Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed his interest in the CM position. However, the high command has made it clear that this is not the right time, and has also confirmed that there will be no changes to the Chief Minister.”

He concluded, “The matter is settled. Thus, there is no ongoing tussle. Opposition parties are unnecessarily spreading rumors and shaping perceptions.”

When questioned about rumors suggesting CM Siddaramaiah would be asked to resign after the Belagavi session, Yathindra remarked, “Such claims have been made for many years. They keep asserting that the CM will be changed this year or that year. They must be dreaming.