Karnataka Minister Dismisses Warnings Over Dy CM Shivakumar's Comments
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Synopsis
In Bengaluru, Minister K.N. Rajanna responded to Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's remarks about misusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's name, stating that warnings are irrelevant. Rajanna emphasized the need for the high command's decisions regarding leadership roles and dismissed any personal conflict with Shivakumar.
Key Takeaways
- Rajanna questions the validity of warnings.
- Shivakumar's comment is not a threat.
- Leadership decisions lie with the high command.
- No personal animosity towards Shivakumar.
- Rumors about a change in Chief Minister are unfounded.
Bengaluru, Feb 17 (NationPress) In response to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s assertion that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s name should not be misused, Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna remarked on Monday, “Who cares about warnings?”
Rajanna expressed this sentiment while addressing the media.
He emphasized that the statement made by Karnataka Congress President Shivakumar regarding the CM was simply a comment, not a warning.
“We have not misused anyone’s name. He should not misuse the AICC name. By invoking the AICC for everything, he should not misuse it,”
the minister declared.
“This is not an allegation; it is a reality. I do not need lessons in discipline from anyone. I have dedicated 50 years to the party. When I speak, I convey messages that yield positive results; I do not speak in ways that would jeopardize the party,”
Rajanna asserted.
On the subject of appointing a full-term Chief Minister, Rajanna clarified that he was not insistent about it, stating that the ultimate decision rests with the high command.
“We have requested a new state President, as previously indicated by the high command. If the high command had established more Deputy CM positions earlier, it would have aided the party in the Lok Sabha elections. Currently, creating additional Deputy CM posts will not be beneficial. Additionally, the Deputy CM position is not an entitlement,”
he added.
“The high command will determine both long-term and short-term issues. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already addressed this topic in the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting. Since he has discussed it, we have no further comments,”
he stated.
When inquired about his opposition to Dy CM Shivakumar, Minister Rajanna replied, “I have no personal issues with Deputy CM Shivakumar. We may have differing perspectives. I might suggest one route, while he may propose another. We have been friends for years and even traveled abroad together. One day, I’ll invite him for lunch at my home.”
In response to Working President G.C. Chandrashekar’s caution against making public statements, Minister Rajanna shot back, “Who is Chandrashekar to warn me? Just because he is the KPCC Working President doesn’t mean he is above others. He is a liability to the party. What is his background?”
Meanwhile, Minister for Labour Santosh Lad remarked to the media regarding a potential change in the Chief Minister, “You (the media) have been speculating about this for two years. This discussion began just three months after the Congress government took office in Karnataka. Nothing has transpired, and nothing will.”
Minister for Agriculture Marketing and Sugar, Shivananda Patil, reiterated that the high command will have the final say regarding any changes in the Chief Minister role.
“There has been a lot of talk, but nothing has occurred. CM Siddaramaiah continuing in his role is not an issue. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) and the high command will make the decision,”
he added.
