Bengaluru, January 11 (NationPress) D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and President of the State Congress, expressed optimism on Saturday regarding the party's government fulfilling its five-year term without complications. He emphasized that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will adhere to the party's guidance and move forward.
In response to inquiries during his visit to Sringeri about power-sharing and requests from his supporters for him to assume the CM role, Shivakumar remarked, “There is no need for anyone to be concerned about the Chief Minister's position. There is no necessity for any political twist.”
Shivakumar said, “The populace has favored us and entrusted us with governance. We will fulfill our five-year term. All discussions regarding the CM's position are irrelevant. The Chief Minister and I will execute the directives of the party and progress.”
Expressing a lack of interest in potential elevation to the CM role, he stated, “I do not wish for my supporters to advocate for my position as CM. I do not seek anyone's backing. I do not require the support of MLAs. The decision rests with me and the Congress party. I will perform as per the instructions from the party's senior members. I do not need to burden the party or workers with concerns about my status.”
When asked about his pilgrimage to Sringeri and temple visits in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Shivakumar clarified that these were expressions of faith, not political maneuvers.
He mentioned, “I am a devotee who regularly performs puja. I hold strong beliefs in my religion. For my own sake, for the state, and for the people and society, I will pray.”
Shivakumar pointed out, “Today marks a significant occasion. It has been fifty years since seer Bharti Teertha Mahaswamy assumed leadership. There is a saying, Dharmo Rakshita Rakshitaha. Similarly, by abstaining from politics and avoiding involvement in various matters, this mutt is dedicated to preserving religion and traditions.”
He also noted, “Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had initiated the establishment of a Sanskrit University here. This Math is striving to enlighten the youth in Bengaluru. I have been invited to this significant event.”
Earlier, while addressing the media at his residence in Bengaluru, Shivakumar discussed the ongoing conflict between the state and the Central government over taxation issues.
He asserted, “We must advocate for our right to our taxes from the Central government. We need to safeguard the interests of our state.”
“The Central government has failed to fulfill its commitments regarding funding for irrigation and urban development. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is examining legal avenues to address the unfair tax distribution affecting our state. By the time the state budget is unveiled, we will respond to this unjust allocation,” he concluded.
