Shivakumar rules out any 'political turn,' says he and CM Siddaramaiah will follow party's direction

Chikkamagaluru: The people of Karnataka have blessed the Congress for five years and he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will continue functioning as per the directions of the party high command, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Saturday, while seeking to downplay reports of power tussle within the ruling party.

With supporters hailing him as the 'next Chief Minister' on his arrival here, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President, said he does not need anyone's support and will abide by what the party tells him.

"Let us make the effort and leave the results to God. I don’t need anyone’s support, nor do I want anyone to shout slogans for me. I will do my work as directed by the party. I will abide by  what the party tells me," said D K Shivakumar.

Asked about workers or supporters demanding that he should be the next CM, Shivakumar said, "On this matter, no MLAs need to support me. I exist, and the Congress party exists. I will continue to work as instructed by the party leaders. MLAs and workers should not shout slogans in my favour. I will fulfill my duties."

His comments came a day after his cabinet colleague K N Rajanna, who is close to Siddaramaiah, suggested that Shivakumar should aim to become Chief Minister by successfully leading the party in the next elections, rather than aspiring for the top post during the remaining two and a half years of the incumbent government.

"I have faith in religion. I perform daily prayers. I pray for my well-being, the state’s well-being, the well-being of my supporters, and society at large. If this is being interpreted as a ‘temple run,’ then you all should shut down the temples. Why do we have the Muzrai Department and the Waqf Board in the government?" he questioned.

Addressing criticism from the media and opposition leaders over his recent temple visits being labelled a "temple run," Shivakumar said, "No one needs to worry unnecessarily. I don’t need any turning point. The people have blessed us and given us an opportunity. We will continue for five years. Both of us, the Chief Minister and I will work as per the directions of the party. Comments from others are secondary," he added.

With PTI inputs