New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) In the midst of a leadership conflict, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asserted on Wednesday that it is the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's duty to uphold order among the MLAs. Speaking to the press, Shivakumar addressed rumors of MLAs convening meetings without notifying party leaders. He stated: "The Chief Minister holds the key responsibility to manage the MLAs. As the leader of the legislative assembly, it is up to him to maintain discipline among our representatives."

Regarding claims that first-time MLAs hosted a dinner to discuss cabinet positions and that senior MLAs approached the Chief Minister about this, Shivakumar, who also leads the state Congress, remarked: "I am unaware of any meetings with the Chief Minister. No one has come to me for discussion on this matter."

On the ambiguity concerning the Davanagere ticket, he commented: "I lack details on that situation. The Chief Minister and I have discussed it, but we have yet to receive any reports. Today, the Chief Minister held discussions with Meti's family regarding this issue. I am meeting with potential candidates from Davanagere. Just yesterday, I spoke with the local Member of Parliament and the minister in charge of the district. I will compile a report for the senior leaders, and the final decision rests with the high command."

When asked about the timeline for candidate selection, he indicated: "This will be concluded within the next two to three days."

On the news of Congress MP from Assam, Pradyut Bordoloi, defecting to the BJP, he expressed: “It was unexpected for a dedicated Congress leader to leave. I tried to reach out, but he had already made his choice. This was surprising for us. He was seen as a role model within the Congress.”

Commenting on the recent departures of MLAs and senior figures from the party, he stated: “I won’t delve too deeply into this. The exit of sitting MLAs and senior leaders is detrimental. The Congress remains robust in Assam, and I understand the potential repercussions. However, the people of Assam are craving for change. We are planning a meeting at Indira Bhavan.”

Referring to the Defence Ministry's lack of cooperation over the years, Shivakumar stated: "No, the Defence Ministry is now slowly addressing these issues. Similar challenges are present in other states, and they have indicated that a comprehensive resolution will be forthcoming."

When queried about the restrictions on developing or establishing another airport until the completion of 25 years, he noted: "Kempegowda International Airport will reach its 25-year milestone in 2033. By that time, we need to finalize all arrangements, including land acquisition. If Bengaluru Airport Limited manages the project, those restrictions will not apply. However, if it is awarded to other parties, such limitations will remain."

On protests against the NICE company, he stated: "Those who lost their land deserve to receive plots and compensation. What’s wrong with farmers advocating for this? If they haven’t been compensated after 25 years, determining the fault lies with the government or the NICE company is another story. People who have lost their properties cannot stay silent. New regulations have also come into play now."