Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar refuses to comment on power-sharing speculation, says leadership decisions rest with High Command; announces sixth guarantee scheme as government nears 1000 days
New Delhi: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday asserted that “those in politics are required to do politics,” even as he dismissed speculation surrounding power-sharing arrangements within the Congress government in the state.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Shivakumar maintained that internal discussions within the party were routine and that leadership decisions would be taken by the High Command in the interest of the party, state and country.
“We have not discussed that issue (power sharing). The party has its own goals. Our leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge will take a suitable decision keeping in mind the interest of the party, state and the country. The media is giving it a different colour, but this is not special for us,” he said.
When asked whether he had received clarity from the High Command on the issue of power-sharing, the Deputy CM reiterated that the matter was being unnecessarily sensationalised.
Success comes with effort, patience pays
Responding to remarks about his patience amid ongoing political speculation, Shivakumar said, “I always get success but with efforts,” adding that patience eventually yields results.
On his meetings with senior Congress leaders in Delhi, he confirmed interactions with Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, K.C. Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala and T.B. Jayachandra.
“When politicians meet, won’t politics be discussed? Politics was discussed but I can’t disclose it to the media. I discussed Karnataka along with Assam and Delhi,” he stated.
When referred to a statement by Yathindra that there would be no leadership change, Shivakumar remarked, “We have to accept what he says, he is our High command.”
No comments on MLAs’ foreign trip
On reports of MLAs going on a foreign trip, the Deputy Chief Minister declined to comment, stating that the matter was between the MLAs and the Chief Minister.
“I am not going to talk about it. It is between the MLAs and the CM. I am not aware of the guidelines given. I learnt about it from the media,” he said.
Sixth guarantee to mark 1000 days in office
Highlighting the Congress government’s upcoming milestone of completing 1000 days in office, Shivakumar announced the launch of a sixth guarantee scheme focused on land rights.
“We are happy about completing 1000 days in office. We will celebrate the occasion by launching the sixth guarantee scheme. As part of the land guarantee, we will issue land records to lakhs of people who don’t have titles,” he said.
He described the proposed initiative as the government’s sixth ambitious programme following the implementation of its five flagship guarantee schemes.
When asked about the next phase of governance, he responded, “The next 1000 days will be strong and bright.”
Rejects BJP’s claim of rift
Responding to the BJP’s criticism that governance was being affected by alleged differences between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Shivakumar dismissed the claims.
“The conflict is in the BJP, not in our party. The CM and I have said we will abide by the party's decision. We have had discussions, and the party will decide,” he said.
On Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s reported remarks about seat-sharing with Congress, Shivakumar declined to comment, stating that such matters would be addressed by the party’s High Command.
