“Those Speaking on My or Siddaramaiah’s Behalf Are Damaging the Party,” Warns Karnataka Dy CM D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday strongly criticised Congress leaders for speculating about a leadership change in the state, calling such statements “damaging the party.”

The controversy reignited after Congress MLA H D Ranganath, Shivakumar’s relative, and former Mandya MP L R Shivarame Gowda claimed that Shivakumar would become the next Chief Minister, with Gowda predicting the change as early as November.

“No one is permitted to speak on power sharing, including Kunigal MLA H D Ranganath. I have asked Congress state working president G C Chandrashekhar to issue a notice,” Shivakumar told reporters. He added that the matter is closed after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reaffirmed he would complete his full five-year term, with both leaders abiding by the high command’s decision.

Shivakumar said, “Where is the discussion on power sharing? It’s me who is saying this. Nothing of that sort should be discussed. There should be no question on this. Whatever Siddaramaiah has said is final. People who are speaking on it are damaging the party and indulging in anti-party activity.”

He reiterated the party’s commitment to discipline: “He (Siddaramaiah) has said that he will listen to the high command. We will obey the high command. We are disciplined soldiers of our party. For us, the party is important, not the individual. Siddaramaiah has said he is not important but the party. We will obey what the party says.”

Taking a swipe at the BJP, Shivakumar said, “Let them focus on their internal squabbles. I will give them needle and thread. Let them stitch the torn portion in the party.” On BJP leaders wearing RSS uniform, he added, “Let them do whatever they want.”