Shivakumar Reveals Kharge's Directive Against CM Post Discussions

Bengaluru, March 3 (NationPress) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on Monday that the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has instructed party members to refrain from discussing alterations to the state’s Chief Minister position.

While addressing the media at the Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar reacted to inquiries about power sharing. He mentioned, "Kharge has directed us not to engage in discussions about power sharing, and I am dedicated to honoring his request."

When questioned about former Union Minister Veerappa Moily's remark that no one can prevent him from becoming the Chief Minister, Shivakumar responded, "Moily has shared his personal viewpoint. I will refrain from commenting on it, and there is no necessity to discuss it."

In contrast, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra reacted by suggesting that Moily hinted Shivakumar would soon step into the Chief Minister role. Additionally, a Congress MLA asserted that Shivakumar would take over as Chief Minister in December. Vijayendra noted that during the winter session in Belagavi, Shivakumar had claimed in the assembly that an astrologer had advised him to seize power forcibly if it was not granted to him.

"Now, Shivakumar has reminded us of that statement. To whom was this reminder aimed? That is a question Shivakumar must address. Regarding the film festival controversy, he cautioned that he would 'tighten the screws' on film artists. However, this statement was not intended for the film industry—it was directed at Congress leaders obstructing his path to the Chief Minister position," Vijayendra asserted.

"I clearly state that the competition for the Chief Minister position within the Congress party will only grow more intense. There is no doubt that Karnataka will experience rapid political changes in the upcoming days," he added.

Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge remarked on Monday that neither Moily nor any other leader had specified a timeline for Shivakumar to become Chief Minister.

"They are not claiming Shivakumar will become Chief Minister today or tomorrow. They merely recognize that he will eventually be rewarded for his efforts. The high command will make that decision. If I make a statement to the media, does that imply it will happen? Our responsibilities are clear—Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister, Shivakumar is the KPCC President and Deputy Chief Minister, and I am the Minister. We each have designated roles," Kharge stated.

"I may wish for someone to become the CM someday. Whoever has put in the effort will be rewarded, whether today or tomorrow," he added.

In response to Congress MLA Basavaraju Shivaganga's assertion that Shivakumar would ascend to the CM position in December, Kharge commented, "That is his perspective. However, such opinions should be expressed where they hold significance—within the high command."

BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, addressing Moily’s statement, stated: "If Shivakumar’s party makes the decision and the MLAs back him, he can become the Chief Minister. But do not belittle the current Chief Minister. He is presenting the budget on March 7. If he is labeled an 'outgoing Chief Minister,' what respect and honor will remain for the budget he is presenting? We do not dismiss Veerappa Moily’s statements—we are from the BJP. However, witnessing the plight of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a senior leader, we sympathize with him. This situation transcends the power-sharing agreement within Congress. Do not undermine the dignity of the Chief Minister's Office."

Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil stated: "Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi are the ultimate authority. Moily is a senior leader of the party. The high command will take action regarding his statement. If you have questions about whether it was a pre-arranged decision, ask him directly. I will refrain from commenting on it. He is a former Chief Minister and a former Union Minister. You should inquire with him about it. We are unaware of any power-sharing formula," he clarified.

Minister for Labour Santosh Lad remarked: "All these matters are left to the high command. Moily has voiced his opinion, and two or three MLAs out of 140 may have also expressed theirs. Everyone's viewpoint holds significance. I cannot state my personal opinion, nor am I in a position to do so. Ultimately, everyone must unite on the party platform."