Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday expressed confidence that the party high command will take a decision on his future amid the ongoing leadership tussle in the state.
“I don’t come from any political family, yet I have reached this position. I am confident that the party will take a decision about me in the future,” he said. He said “I once told the secret of success to former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in a session. I told him that Dharmaraja’s Dharma, Karna’s generosity, Arjuna’s concentration, Vidur’s strategy, Bhima’s power and Krishna’s strategy are necessary to achieve success. I have faced many setbacks in politics.”
He criticized Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and alleged that people from his own community were criticizing him.
He said “When I was in jail, you all prayed for me. I know you all are praying for me and wishing for my well-being. I believe prayers never go in vain, even if efforts go in vain. People from our community are criticizing me. They are attacking from the front as well as from behind. My conscience knows how honest I was when Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister.”
He said that now Kumaraswamy is accusing me of backstabbing him. I don’t need any certificate, my conscience knows this,” he told entrepreneurs from the Vokkaliga community. “God does not give blessings or curses, he only gives opportunities. We should make good use of the opportunities we get. Faith is the most important element of life; Always maintain this in your transactions and business. I have come to express my solidarity with all of you. You are all hardworking people,” he said.
The name Vokkaliga symbolizes self-esteem. Young entrepreneurs from the community have gathered here. I wish them all a bright future. Do not lend to anyone; No one can be trusted. Always be alert. I am giving this advice based on my experience.
Balagangadharnath Swamiji used to say that the practice of blood and money should always remain the same. Earlier, on Saturday, senior Karnataka Congress leader KN Rajanna had said that any change in the state government or within the party will be decided only by the Congress high command. Speaking to ANI in Bengaluru, he said, “If any change is expected in the government and the party in Karnataka, only the party high command will decide on it. Whether I am in the cabinet or not, I will always support the party.” I will be a worker. There is no tussle for power in Congress like BJP.”
His comments come amid ongoing political discussions regarding a possible reshuffle in the Karnataka government, in which Congress leaders have stressed on unity and discipline within the party. Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara had said that any decision regarding the post of Chief Minister of the state completely depends on the Congress high command, while speculations and internal equations of the party are fueling the debate over a possible leadership change.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Parameshwara clarified that he has neither formed any group nor issued any instructions to his supporters who want him to be the next Chief Minister. “I have no ‘team’. Some people, friends or well-wishers, can express their views freely. Even when I visit districts, some people say such things. It is their selfishness, but ultimately the high command will decide,” he said.
The Home Minister’s comments come amid an alleged power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, where the chief minister’s post has emerged as a contentious issue as the government nears half its term. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Home Minister G Parameshwara are being considered the key figures in this political turmoil.