Bengaluru, December 25 (NationPress) In the midst of the ongoing leadership turmoil within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister and state unit party president D.K. Shivakumar stated on Thursday that he has never limited himself to merely giving speeches but has taken on every task for the party. This statement followed a meeting with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in Bengaluru.

"I never just appeared on stage, delivered speeches, and returned home. I have undertaken every role for the Congress," Shivakumar conveyed to the press.

In response to a question about his recent comments in Delhi expressing a preference to be a party worker rather than hold an official position, he asserted, "Regardless of the position we hold, we are party workers first. I have raised party flags both as a worker and as the party president. I have distributed posters, cleared waste, and accomplished all necessary tasks for the Congress party."

"I have never confined myself to merely coming to stages, delivering speeches, and going home. I have engaged in all types of work within the party," he reiterated.

His comments are expected to spur further discussion amidst the ongoing leadership struggle within the party.

When questioned about what he receives in return for his efforts, Shivakumar appeared frustrated and warned the media not to push him into making comments. "You should report my statements. That’s it. I will not respond to every query you pose," he remarked.

Addressing AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's assertion that internal party matters should be settled at the state level, Shivakumar indicated that senior leaders would continue to guide the organization.

"I have no intentions of traveling to Delhi. I will only go if I receive an invitation. Should there be party-related work, I will attend. They may have invited Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the Congress Working Committee meeting. Deputy Chief Ministers have not been summoned. We will be invited to the extended committee meeting. If the party requests my presence, I will go to Delhi. I cannot decline if the party asks me to come," he explained.

Discussing his meeting with Kharge, Shivakumar mentioned that no political matters were addressed. "There was no need to discuss such topics. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I have already provided a statement affirming that we will adhere to the directions of the high command and fulfill our responsibilities accordingly," he stated.

Regarding the upcoming Congress Working Committee meeting, Shivakumar expressed his concerns as the State Congress President about attempts to alter the name of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

"I met with Kharge ji and did not discuss state politics. I raised issues pertaining to the Congress Working Committee meeting. The attempt to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from MGNREGA and efforts to dilute the scheme by instituting a 60:40 funding formula — under which states would need to cover 40 percent of the expenses — were discussed. No state, including those ruled by the BJP, can manage this," he stated.

Shivakumar pointed out that MGNREGA, a centrally sponsored initiative launched during the administration of Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, is approaching its 20th anniversary.

"We must combat this. As the party president, I am organizing a significant event where all panchayat representatives and MGNREGA workers will unite to oppose these changes. It is essential to safeguard rural development," he concluded.