Shivakumar: Congress Prepared Me to Stay Active
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasizes the Congress party's long-term grooming of his political career since 1989, asserting his commitment to party leadership and collective efforts for upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar emphasizes his active role in the Congress party since 1989.
- He denies rumors regarding his position being threatened.
- Shivakumar praises collective leadership under Siddaramaiah.
- He addresses internal party dynamics and challenges.
- Shivakumar expresses confidence in utilizing his experience for future elections.
Bengaluru, Feb 26 (NationPress) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on Wednesday that the Congress party has prepared him since 1989 to be active and not remain idle at home.
While addressing the media in Bengaluru, when questioned about whether he traveled to Delhi to secure his role as the state president, Shivakumar replied: “No. That’s a false narrative, all are fabricated stories. The party has appointed me as the state president for five years. It granted me the Deputy Chief Minister position and has been nurturing me since 1989 by making me a minister earlier. Does the party intend for me to remain at home after empowering me?” he added, stating that “regardless of my position, I will always support the party.”
He also focused on his rivals within the party, “I have received invitations to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Andhra Pradesh. Will others be called?”
When queried if Congress would contest the upcoming Karnataka election under his guidance, Shivakumar mentioned: “During the last election, I was the head of the campaign committee when Siddaramaiah was the Chief Minister for his initial term. In the recent election, I held the state president position, and now I serve as Deputy Chief Minister. The energy, strength, and experience I possess will be leveraged by the party.”
Shivakumar further noted that Siddaramaiah will lead the party, having served as Chief Minister for two terms and as opposition leader for another two.
“We will proceed with collective leadership,” he stressed.
When asked if Siddaramaiah would complete his term as Chief Minister, Shivakumar stated, “My party has chosen him as Chief Minister. I am his Deputy Chief Minister and the state party president. We honor the party’s decision.”
Regarding the dissatisfaction of Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, he remarked: “Rajanna has not communicated with me. I do not respond to those leaders who make comments in the media. If anyone approaches me, I can provide guidance.”
Rajanna, a close ally of Siddaramaiah, is advocating for Shivakumar’s replacement and has stated his intention to resign from his ministerial position.
