Deputy CM Shivakumar: No Ambition for Party Role Amidst K'taka Congress Disputes
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Synopsis
Bengaluru, Jan 17 (NationPress) Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasized that he has never sought a position within the Congress party, amidst ongoing demands for his replacement as state president.
Key Takeaways
- Shivakumar denies seeking position
- Party roles are offered, not pursued
- Meeting between Mahadevappa and Parameshwara was informal
- Party leadership aware of ongoing issues
- Infighting persists despite party directives
Bengaluru, Jan 17 (NationPress) In the face of calls for his replacement as the state president of the Congress party, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has asserted that he has never actively sought any role. Speaking to the press on Friday, Shivakumar addressed inquiries regarding the demand for a new State President, stating, “I have never chased any position. Such roles are not pursued; they are offered. Positions are assigned based on leadership capabilities and organizational skills within our party. I cannot comment on other political parties. This is not a subject for media discussion.”
“The party will manage these matters, and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is from Karnataka, is fully aware of the current circumstances,” he added.
In the meantime, Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa had a 40-minute meeting with state Home Minister G. Parameshwara at his Bengaluru residence, which raised eyebrows. When asked by reporters, Minister Mahadevappa clarified that no particular issues were addressed and that it was merely a casual gathering.
Minister Parameshwara remarked, “There’s nothing out of the ordinary. Mahadevappa came to discuss personal issues. Are we not allowed to converse? We frequently visit one another. Can’t we share a meal together?”
He further explained, “Mahadevappa’s visit was personal and unrelated to the ongoing events in the party. No one can prevent us from visiting fellow leaders.”
The party hierarchy has stepped in to delay a meeting of legislators and representatives from SC and ST communities, which was scheduled by Home Minister Parameshwara. Sources suggest that both Parameshwara and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are displeased with this decision.
Parameshwara stated that if the party intends to stop community leaders from convening to discuss their matters, they have the capability to handle the situation. He also recognized that it is natural for party members to desire a new State President.
Congress national General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala arrived in Karnataka earlier today, and sources indicate that he is expected to address the ongoing infighting, which has continued despite directives from the party’s national leadership.
