Shivakumar on Chief Ministership: 'I Don’t Need Recommendations, High Command Will Decide Based on My Work'

Amid growing voices advocating for DK Shivakumar as Chief Minister, the Karnataka Congress President asserts that the party high command will determine leadership based on performance.

P24 News Media

June 30, 2024

1 minute

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Business

High Command to Decide Leadership

Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has firmly stated that he does not require recommendations for the Chief Minister’s position, emphasizing that the decision will rest with the party high command. “There is no discussion about Deputy Chief Ministers, and there is no question of discussing the Chief Minister’s position too. The pontiff (Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swami) has spoken out of love for me. I request that no one make any recommendations. The party high command will decide based on my work,” Shivakumar told reporters at his Bengaluru residence on Saturday.

Consensus on Future Steps

Shivakumar highlighted the consensus reached with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the path forward for Karnataka. “AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, the Chief Minister, and I have come to a consensus along with the high command on how to proceed in the interest of Karnataka. There is no need for MLAs, ministers, or any religious pontiff to talk about the matter,” he said.

Appeal for Silence and Discipline

Emphasizing the importance of discipline within the party, Shivakumar warned against public statements by party members regarding leadership roles. “If they want to support me, let them pray for me, and this should end here. I don’t want any minister to talk to the media about matters of Dy CM posts or the post of the CM. If they continue to issue public statements, I can’t do anything but issue notices to them from the AICC,” he cautioned. Shivakumar underscored that discipline is crucial for the party’s success.

Hard Work and Political Interference

Reflecting on the effort required to bring the party to power, Shivakumar appealed for restraint and focus. “We know how hard we worked to bring the party to power. In the interest of the party, I am telling everyone that keeping quiet will be a service to the party. I humbly request religious pontiffs not to interfere in politics,” he stated.

Collaboration with Union Ministers

Shivakumar also touched on recent meetings with MPs and Union Ministers in New Delhi, highlighting the cooperative spirit despite political differences. “We met all our MPs and the Union Ministers. Except for two, all of them, including five Union Ministers, attended the meeting. Everyone put aside political differences and assured cooperation in the interest of Karnataka. They have also stated that if officers and concerned ministers approach them, they will follow up on the issues,” he explained.

Support from Union Finance Minister

He praised Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her commitment to Karnataka. “Honourable Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman attended the meeting for over two hours and assured that her commitments to Karnataka from the central government would be fulfilled,” Shivakumar noted.

Infrastructure Projects and Farmer Concerns

Regarding ongoing infrastructure projects, Shivakumar mentioned discussions with Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways, Nitin Gadkari, to address roadblocks. “We are speaking to local MLAs and ministers to resolve the issues. The farmers are demanding deviations of the projects, which is not possible. We will call them and speak with them,” he said.

Meeting with Prime Minister Modi

Shivakumar concluded by noting an upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This evening at 8 P.M., a meeting has been fixed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and I will also be joining the CM,” he stated.

DK Shivakumar’s assertive statements and appeals for discipline come at a critical time for Karnataka’s political landscape, emphasizing the role of the party high command in leadership decisions and the importance of unified efforts for the state’s development.