Bengaluru, Dec 19 (NationPress) The ongoing leadership conflict within the Karnataka Congress has taken a new direction as Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar responded to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s claim that there is no power-sharing agreement, insisting that he intends to serve the full term in office.

“The Chief Minister, the high command, and I are interconnected by a pact,” Shivakumar stated, emphasizing that there have been no internal discussions about altering leadership roles.

These comments were made during a media interaction in Karwar district after his visit to a local temple.

In reaction to Siddaramaiah's assertion that no commitment exists for a half-term power-sharing deal and that he will remain Chief Minister for five years, Shivakumar clarified that he had never implied otherwise.

“I have not claimed that he will not be Chief Minister for the entire five years, nor have I said that the high command is not supporting him,” he remarked, pointing out that it is precisely the support from the high command that has facilitated Siddaramaiah's position as Chief Minister.

Shivakumar elaborated, “As per the party’s decision, he is continuing in his role. The pact we have made includes the high command, and we have reiterated our commitment to this agreement multiple times. We will operate in line with this understanding.”

When questioned about the potential for leadership changes in the state, Shivakumar dismissed such speculations.

“That is merely media imagination. There are no discussions on this topic within the party. We will strictly adhere to the party's directives,” he asserted.

Addressing whether his prayers during a 2019 visit to the holy site had been answered and if he now hoped to achieve his aspiration of becoming Chief Minister, Shivakumar opted not to elaborate further.

“I am not inclined to share specifics on that. It remains between me and the deity. I have prayed to the Goddess, Lord Mahabaleshwara, Ganesh, and Gangadhareshwara. My prayers are personal,” he stated.

He also mentioned his visit to Gokarna on an auspicious new moon day to offer his respects at the temples.

“Five years ago, I came here to pray for a family matter, and that wish was fulfilled. I vowed to return to the temple, and I have done so with a sense of joy,” he noted.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had claimed in the Assembly that he would remain in office for the full term and that no power-sharing formula had been considered within the Congress.

“The leadership issue is an internal matter of our party. We will adhere to the high command's guidance. However, I am currently the Chief Minister and have served two-and-a-half years. I will continue in this role in the future as well,” Siddaramaiah affirmed.