New Delhi, Nov 16 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar emphasized on Sunday that he is committed to serving the Congress party, regardless of the position assigned by the party's leadership, asserting that he will never turn his back on it.

"I consider myself a disciplined soldier of the party. I have never engaged in blackmailing the Congress party. My dedication has been unwavering as I have tirelessly contributed to building the party, and I will persist in doing so," stated Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar in response to questions from the media in Delhi.

Addressing speculation regarding his potential resignation from the State party President's role, he remarked: "I am in good mental, physical, and political health. I am scheduled to meet Kharge Saheb (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge)."

"Before December, we aim to lay the foundation stone for 100 Congress offices. I have authored a book titled 'Gandhi Bharat', and we need to finalize its release date. The Parliament session is approaching, and we must also commemorate the Congress Foundation Day. Who will handle these tasks? It is my responsibility. Thus, there is no reason for me to resign; the situation does not warrant it," he clarified.

"As long as the Congress party requires my services in this capacity, I will operate as a disciplined soldier. I am committed to working diligently to ensure the party regains power in the state," he added.

When queried about discussing potential Cabinet changes during his meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge, he replied: "That decision rests solely with the Chief Minister. He will engage in discussions with the Congress High Command. Should they summon me, I will attend, primarily to finalize the dates for laying the foundation stones for party offices. I hope that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Mallikarjun Kharge will jointly perform the foundation stone ceremony. The Parliament session begins on December 1, so I will invite them to come on a weekend prior to that."

"I am personally investing Rs 2.30 crore to approve the building plans for the Congress office projects. Under the guidance of Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, construction for one office is already underway. We have prepared land for office construction at around 75–80 locations, with plans to establish 100 offices," Shivakumar concluded.