Bengaluru/Belagavi, Dec 9 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has responded to comments made by MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah regarding the Chief Minister position, expressing his happiness and hope for positive outcomes. Yathindra Siddaramaiah remarked on Monday that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would serve his full term, dismissing D.K. Shivakumar's aspirations for the role.

While addressing the media in Bengaluru before departing for Belagavi on Tuesday, Shivakumar stated, "Very happy. Let everything be good, let it be good for the state," in response to Yathindra's comments.

Upon his arrival at Sambra Airport in Belagavi for the winter legislative session, his supporters chanted slogans in his favor, declaring "Shivakumar next CM".

According to party insiders, this reaction came after Yathindra's assertion in Belagavi that Siddaramaiah would finish his five-year term as Chief Minister.

In the meantime, Congress MLC Channaraj Hattiholi took to social media to welcome the Deputy Chief Minister to Belagavi, referring to him as "Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar", which garnered public attention. Channaraj is the sibling of Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, a close ally of Shivakumar.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, MLC Channaraj emphasized that since both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar have pledged to follow the high command's directives, Yathindra's remarks were unwarranted.

"With the high command stating it will reach a suitable decision, we must wait for that," he added.

In response to the situation, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy affirmed that there was no disarray within the party and that the high command's decisions would be conclusive. When questioned about why no actions were taken against Yathindra for his recurring comments on leadership, the minister noted that leaders should be prudent and accountable when making public statements.

Previously, when addressing inquiries about a supposed leadership conflict within the ruling Congress, Yathindra Siddaramaiah stated on Monday that those predicting a shift in the Chief Minister's role were merely "dreaming".

He mentioned that the Congress high command has clearly indicated that there will be no alteration in leadership in the state.

Yathindra stated, "Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed his ambition for the CM position. However, the high command has clarified that this is not the right time, reiterating that no changes will be made to the Chief Ministerial post."

He concluded, "The matter is resolved. Consequently, there is no conflict remaining. Opposition parties are unnecessarily circulating rumors and shaping perceptions."

When questioned about the speculation that CM Siddaramaiah might be asked to resign post the Belagavi session, Yathindra asserted, "This has been claimed for many years. They continually assert that the CM will be replaced this year or that year. They must certainly be dreaming."