Bengaluru, November 20: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday firmly dismissed speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, stating that “no one has said Siddaramaiah will not continue as Chief Minister.”
Speaking to reporters outside his Sadashivanagar residence late Thursday night, Shivakumar said the Congress government was functioning as a united team.
Reacting to Siddaramaiah’s remark in Chamarajanagar that he would remain Chief Minister for the full five-year term, Shivakumar said:
“I am happy. The party has given him that responsibility. We are all working together.”
MLCs’ Delhi Visit Linked to Council Chairman, Deputy Chairman Posts
Responding to questions about the sudden Delhi visit by several ministers, MLAs and MLCs, Shivakumar said he had no information on it.
He clarified that some Congress MLCs recently met to discuss the party’s preference for the Legislative Council Chairman and Deputy Chairman positions.
“Our members have expressed that both posts should go to Congress this time. Numerically, we are on par with the opposition in the Upper House. We have also won the Gayatri case in court and are awaiting the official order. Once it comes, our numbers will increase,” he said.
“No Knowledge of Delhi Trip by Ministers and MLAs”
Asked about reports that ministers, legislators and MLCs were travelling to Delhi to discuss internal matters, Shivakumar replied:
“I have no information. No one has spoken to me about it. I am completely unaware.”
Power-Sharing Speculation on Government’s 2.5-Year Mark
On questions about renewed talk of a mid-term power-sharing formula coinciding with the government completing 2.5 years, Shivakumar said he had been unwell and had not stepped outside his home.
“I haven’t even taken a bath today. My health has not been good, so I haven’t gone out,” he remarked, sidestepping the political speculation.
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