Bengaluru, Nov 29 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, a prominent candidate for the Chief Ministerial role, stated on Saturday that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are "united" and will adhere to the directives of the party's high command.

"We are unified. Whatever instructions come from the party, we will execute. We are dedicated soldiers of the party," he remarked during a joint press conference alongside Siddaramaiah at the CM’s residence, Cauvery.

"In 2013, I was overlooked for a cabinet position. The high command asked me to be patient, and I complied without complaint. I dedicated my efforts to the party. I will follow the high command’s guidance. Our goal is to empower MLAs and party members to restore the party to power in 2028," Shivakumar, who also leads the state Congress, asserted.

"I fully resonate with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s remarks about our solidarity and commitment to adhere to the high command’s directives. Today, I feel pleased. The CM and I convened for breakfast. He plans to visit my home for dinner in the next couple of days. We have collaborated and remained united. The party and its workers statewide have supported us," he continued.

"Politically, we align perfectly. Historically, I have always acted in accordance with the high command’s decisions, and I will persist in doing so. There are no factions. During the late S.M. Krishna's tenure as Chief Minister, I ensured that no groupism occurred. There exists only one faction — the Congress faction," he explained.

Emphasizing that the citizens of Karnataka have "bestowed upon us a significant mandate," he declared that "it is our duty to fulfill our promises, and we have done so."

"We have ensured effective governance and will maintain this commitment. Today, we discussed our strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections and how to confront the opposition during the forthcoming winter session commencing December 8," Shivakumar revealed.

"Regarding leadership, we shall follow the high command’s directives. Whatever the party instructs us, we will implement. We are aware that the party is facing challenges nationally, but Karnataka will play a pivotal role in the 2028 Assembly elections and subsequently in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Under the leadership of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, we are optimistic about our chances of success," he expressed.

In response to inquiries about a potential trip to Delhi, Shivakumar remarked: "If the party requires us to go, we will certainly attend. We have deliberated on various issues. Major decisions need to be made in the upcoming Parliament session as the Centre has not been supportive regarding sugarcane or the maize farmers’ plight. We are not receiving the assistance we deserve."

"CM Siddaramaiah has personally met the Prime Minister, and on Friday, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister in Udupi. Karnataka is a crucial state. We require approvals for the Mekedatu project and numerous other outstanding matters," he stated.

When questioned about the opposition's assertion of potentially initiating a no-confidence motion, Shivakumar replied: "Let them proceed as they wish. As the ruling party, our responsibility is to govern."

Earlier, CM Siddaramaiah addressed the media, asserting: "We are united. There are no differences."

"Recently, confusion emerged. Therefore, we met and discussed our shared goal of winning the 2028 Assembly elections and the upcoming local body elections. We strategized. Just as we collaborated during the 2023 Assembly elections, we will continue to work together in the future. There are no differences between us now, nor will there be in the future. We will advance together,” he affirmed.

In response to inquiries about "keeping our promise," Siddaramaiah countered: "What is this ‘given promise’? I have consistently stated that we will adhere to whatever the high command decides."

Regarding power-sharing discussions, he maintained: "Whatever the high command instructs us, we will comply. Whether you comprehend it or not, we cannot respond to every question you pose."

"Our unity will persist. We are together. KPCC President Shivakumar and I stand united, and there are no differences between us."