'Not Bothered': DK Shivakumar Downplays CM Siddaramaiah’s 'Just Two MLAs' Jibe, Avoids Row

Bengaluru, July 11: Refusing to get into a verbal duel with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who trivialised him saying that D K Shivakumar has support of only a couple of MLAs, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister has said that the CM has said everything.

When the reporters sought a reaction for Siddaramaiah on his return from Delhi, Shivakumar said that he was the State President of the party and he would do whatever the party says.

"Yesterday, I was busy. In between, I saw the statement made by the Chief Minister. He has given reply to all your questions. After he has answered your question, it is not appropriate to discuss that subject again. Even you (journalists) should not ask the same question again,'' he said.

When recalled his earlier statement that he had no choice but to support Siddaramaiah and asked if he stood by his earlier statement now also, Shivakumar quipped: "When I am not bothered about that, why you people are disturbed about it?''

When asked about the political discussions in Delhi, Shivakumar said that he had not met any leaders in the High Command. "We had a meeting with Randeep Singh Surjewala. Since he is our state in-charge, We discussed giving some positions to our party workers.He has met all our MLAs and has collected their opinions. Now, he has to elicit the opinion of the ministers. For the party workers, who have worked in taluk and district level and few people, to whom we have made promises, some positions have to be given. We will add the names to the list and send it to Delhi for approval,'' he said.

When asked that few legislators had expressed their opinion that D K  Shivakumar should become the Chief Minister, ``everyone will have some or other aspirations. I don't want to react to this issue and there is no necessity to react also. Whoever has made such statements, they will only reply to the questions,'' he said.

About Siddaramaiah's statement that the 2028 elections in the State also would be fought under his leadership, Shivakumar said that it was his opinion and the Chief Minister has complete right to say so.

"As the party President, it is my duty to organise the party. To protect the interest of the party and the government is my responsibility. I am what I am because of the party. If the party is not there, I am nothing''

When asked about the rumors about KPCC President change, Shivakumar said that he was not aware of that. "As of now, as party President, I handed over the party flag to former minister B T Lalita Naik and welcomed her to the party. About the change, you people can ask the people whoever have spoken to you.''