Bengaluru, Dec 20 (NationPress) In the midst of the ongoing leadership struggle in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on Saturday that the party's high command has informed him that they will summon both him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the right moment.

During a conversation with reporters, when asked if he was scheduled to meet with the high command following the Assembly session, he mentioned that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had been notified regarding the timing of the call.

"They have communicated this to us via phone. We will attend," he affirmed.

When questioned about whether they would go together, Shivakumar responded that both leaders indeed need to make the visit. "Is it feasible not to attend?" he queried.

"I will keep the media updated. I won’t sneak in to meet them without informing you," he joked.

Shivakumar also announced his upcoming trip to Delhi on Tuesday, where the Union Ministry of Water Resources has convened a meeting about river interlinking. "I will participate in that meeting and raise concerns regarding the Mahadayi project, the Krishna water award, the Mekedatu project, and the Upper Bhadra project," he stated.

"I am set to meet the Union Minister for Water Resources. We have also requested a meeting with the Union Forest Minister and the Union Urban Development Minister. I’m engaging with them for the welfare of the state. Numerous issues need addressing," he elaborated.

"If necessary, I may also meet the Prime Minister later," Shivakumar added.

When asked again about accompanying Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to the high command, Shivakumar reiterated: "They've stated they will call both of us at the appropriate time. We will await their call."

The leadership conflict within the Congress party in Karnataka took a new turn on Friday, as Shivakumar countered Siddaramaiah’s claim that no power-sharing agreement existed and that he would remain in his position for the entire term.

"The Chief Minister, the high command, and I are bound by a pact," Shivakumar stated, insisting that no discussions had occurred within the party regarding a leadership change.

Siddaramaiah had declared on the Assembly floor that he would serve his full term and that no power-sharing arrangements had been discussed within Congress.

"The leadership issue is an internal matter within our party. We will adhere to the high command's directives. Nonetheless, I am the current Chief Minister and have served for two-and-a-half years. I will continue in this role moving forward," Siddaramaiah affirmed.