Bengaluru, Nov 21 (NationPress) Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief D.K. Shivakumar defended the recent trip of several MLAs to Delhi on Friday, likening it to the travels made by Ministers and MLAs accompanying Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while also wishing him good luck in retaining his position.

Shivakumar responded to the emerging leadership conflict in Karnataka, where numerous MLAs and Ministers have reportedly traveled to Delhi to advocate for his rise to the Chief Minister's role.

In response to CM Siddaramaiah's statement about serving a full term of five years, Shivakumar remarked, “The Honourable CM Siddaramaiah has confirmed his intent to complete five years. I wish him all the luck.”

His comments came during a media interaction in Bengaluru. When questioned about the importance of keeping promises regarding power-sharing, Shivakumar stated, “Our CM has always expressed his ideology. I won’t comment further. He mentioned that the issue is between him and the high command. Siddaramaiah has indicated he will comply with whatever the high command decides. The CM will heed the high command, and I share that perspective. We all support the high command’s direction.”

He further added, “There’s nothing more to discuss. However, it’s clear that all MLAs have the right to visit and meet their leaders. You cannot hinder them. Many MLAs travel alongside Ministers, while others go with the Chief Minister. Who is stopping them? No one has interfered.”

Regarding a dinner meeting held by Ministers close to CM Siddaramaiah following the Delhi visits, Shivakumar commented, “I am unaware of the message they intend to convey. I do not know what is happening. They sought a change in the State President and requested additional Deputy Chief Minister positions.”

“Such discussions have been ongoing for two-and-a-half years. Let them continue holding meetings,” Shivakumar remarked, taking a jab at the ministers aligned with CM Siddaramaiah.

On his Ministers and MLAs traveling to Delhi, Shivakumar clarified, “I do not lead any faction. I represent all 140 MLAs. Every one of them is significant to me. I’m not interested in fostering factions, nor will I create divisions within the party.”

“Factions are not in my nature. All 140 MLAs are mine. The Honourable Chief Minister has opted for a government reshuffle. He will proceed with the Cabinet reshuffle. Naturally, many aspire to become Ministers. It is normal for them to visit Delhi to meet with leaders,” he said.

“What else can I say? It is their right. I have not taken anyone there. Some visited AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. Many leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also met him. What’s wrong with that?” he queried.

“They went on their own accord. No one summoned them. It’s their right. They are voluntarily heading to Delhi to show their presence. They wish to demonstrate that they are active, capable, and seeking responsibilities. All party members qualify to become Ministers,” he asserted.

In the midst of the leadership controversy and the Delhi visit by a group of Ministers and MLAs potentially advocating for a leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reaffirmed his commitment to continue as Chief Minister and present the state budget for the remainder of the government's term.

At Mandakalli Airport in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah responded to queries about the internal leadership issue within the ruling party, stating, “Why are you (media) asking this question? Yes, I will persist as Chief Minister and will also present the budget.”