Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 19 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asserted on Friday that there is “nothing inappropriate” regarding PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi's reported dinner gathering attended by a selection of legislators and ministers from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s faction.

While addressing queries about the dinner held at Jarkiholi's home on Thursday evening during a media briefing at the Circuit House, Shivakumar questioned what was wrong with individuals coming together to share a meal.

“Can anyone claim that people shouldn’t gather to eat? Why should I be concerned about that? We traveled from Bengaluru. What is wrong with everyone sharing dinner?” he remarked.

“Do not attempt to criticize people for dining together,” he added.

As reporters noted that only four or five attendees were present at the dinner, Shivakumar responded: “Why should I care? Why are you posing this question to me?”

Sources indicated that no leaders from the Deputy CM's faction, including Shivakumar, were invited to the dinner party on Thursday night.

When asked about Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra's alleged remarks branding him the “father of corruption,” Shivakumar replied: “Vijayendra will receive a response at the right moment. He has stated that we serve as an ATM for the high command. He must substantiate this claim. On what grounds has he made these allegations?”

“I have already conveyed everything that is necessary for now. The remaining responses will be revealed in due time. Time itself will provide him with the answers he seeks,” he elaborated.

Addressing inquiries regarding the car accident involving his close aide and private secretary Rajendra Prasad, the Deputy Chief Minister confirmed that doctors had assessed him and found no cause for alarm.

“He is experiencing neck pain. The doctors have recommended one or two days of rest. There are no serious injuries. Goddess Yellamma has safeguarded him,” he stated.

Commenting on the accident, Shivakumar noted that a young individual lost their life in the incident. “I will urge ministers to visit the grieving family. This incident has personally affected me. The deceased was very young. The driver is experiencing chest pain. The accident transpired when another vehicle obstructed their path on their return from a temple visit. Appropriate compensation will be provided to the family of the deceased,” he mentioned.

On Friday, Shivakumar also visited the esteemed Hindu pilgrimage site of Gokarna on the coast to offer special prayers at the Mahabaleshwara temple. Sources indicated that the special worship was conducted to remove obstacles in his political journey as he strives towards his ambitions. Shivakumar is allegedly aspiring to ascend to the Chief Minister position and is actively lobbying with the party's high command.