Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah with Cy CM D K Shivakumar
Credit: DH File Photo
Kanakapura (Bengaluru South district): Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said it was only natural for party workers, a section of the public and even religious seers to express support to leaders for certain leadership roles.
But he hastened to add that both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and he would strictly adhere to decisions made by the Congress high command.
Speaking to reporters at his residence at Kodihalli in the taluk, Shivakumar sought to quell the growing speculation over power-sharing
arrangements within the party.
Murmurs
His comments come amid murmurs in political circles suggesting a possible rotational chief ministership and open endorsements from sections of the party and religious leaders backing Shivakumar for the top post.
“AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge has asked us not to speak on this matter. It will be wrong to comment at this time,” Shivakumar said.
Addressing repeated queries about internal agreements and future leadership changes, he said, “Siddaramaiah has spoken about this many times. Still, the media and Opposition keep bringing it up. There’s no need to discuss it now.”
When asked about remarks made by the Rambhapuri seer, who voiced support for Shivakumar becoming CM, he said, “Why should I talk about it openly? This is between me and my party. We are all working together.”