Don't strain yourselves with remarks on 'leadership tiff': D K Shivakumar to partymen

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday asked his Congress colleagues not to “strain themselves” by engaging in discussions on the chief minister’s post or the so-called ‘November Revolution’. 

“My request is that no one should strain themselves by discussing such things,” Shivakumar told reporters in response to questions on party leaders debating change in leadership and the ‘Dalit CM’ demand.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar, who is also Karnataka Congress president, held a meeting on the selection of candidates for elections next year to the legislative council from west graduates’, southeast graduates’, northeast teachers’ and Bangalore teachers’ constituencies.

“In each constituency, 4-5 people have applied for the ticket. I’ll finalise the names in 8-10 days. In the next round, I’ll hold discussions with ministers and MLAs for their opinions,” he said.

On reports that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi may visit the state in November to lay the foundation stone for the 100 Congress Bhavans, Shivakumar said the date was not final.

“He (Rahul) has sought a report on all those who have shown interest - ministers, MLAs, leaders - in setting up the Congress Bhavans. Once it is sent, he’ll finalise the date,” he added.

Labour Minister Santosh Lad hailed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as the “face of the Congress’ ideology” in the state and said he should not retire from politics. 

“We need (Siddaramaiah’s) leadership. The entire state needs his leadership. He must remain active in politics. He shouldn’t retire,” Lad said.

“Siddaramaiah is an integral part of our ideology. He’s a popular leader. He’s the face of the Congress’ ideology,” he added.