<p>Udupi: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday dismissed speculations about imposing conditions on the Congress high command regarding power sharing in the state. </p><p>After chairing a meeting of Congress leaders here, he said "I have not placed any conditions on anyone. I am a loyal Congress worker. Whatever the party decides, I will follow. I do not need to blackmail anyone." He reiterated his dedication to the party and the Gandhi family, stating, "My loyalty is to the party. Whatever others think of me is their illusion."</p><p>Looking forward to the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, Shivakumar expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power.</p><p>Earlier, addressing Congress leaders, Shivakumar issued a warning against factionalism and caste-based politics. He questioned the party’s defeat in all five seats in Udupi and urged party leaders to stop creating groups within the Congress.</p>.SC/ST funds for guarantees: Karnataka's Opposition cries ‘misuse,’ Congress government not amused.<p>"There is no D K Shivakumar faction or any other leader’s faction. The only faction is the Congress faction. The district Congress must set things right within three months, or we will make changes," he asserted. He emphasised unity within the party, warning that those who engage in factional politics will ultimately fail.</p><p>"Heroes who formed groups have become zeroes, and zeroes have become heroes," he quipped.</p><p>Shivakumar also announced that the Congress would open 100 new Congress offices across Karnataka to strengthen grassroots-level workers. He urged Youth Congress leaders to work together rather than create divisions, especially after internal party elections. "You did not win against the BJP; you won within the Congress. Those who won must take along those who lost," he advised.</p><p>Speaking on recent controversies in the Kannada film industry, Shivakumar stated that filmmakers and artistes are free to express their opinions but emphasised that he has only spoken the truth. He challenged the industry to take action if they wished, stating, "If they want to protest or fight, they are free to do so. But when we were fighting for our rights and water, they did not stand with us." Referring to the Mekedatu project and protests for Karnataka’s water rights, he questioned the film fraternity’s absence. "Where were they when we fought for land and water? he asked.</p><p>Taking a dig at BJP leader R Ashok, he said "We organise IT-BT and Investors' Meet. Can they be called Congress workers? Are Gruha Lakshmi and Gruhajyothi schemes given only to Congress supporters? Let BJP workers call on people not to take guarantee schemes. Tell them not to accept programmes given by Congress. People from all parties are enjoying the benefits. If needed, pay the fare and travel by bus. Other party leaders are jealous that they are not getting an opportunity to rule."</p>
<p>Udupi: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday dismissed speculations about imposing conditions on the Congress high command regarding power sharing in the state. </p><p>After chairing a meeting of Congress leaders here, he said "I have not placed any conditions on anyone. I am a loyal Congress worker. Whatever the party decides, I will follow. I do not need to blackmail anyone." He reiterated his dedication to the party and the Gandhi family, stating, "My loyalty is to the party. Whatever others think of me is their illusion."</p><p>Looking forward to the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, Shivakumar expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power.</p><p>Earlier, addressing Congress leaders, Shivakumar issued a warning against factionalism and caste-based politics. He questioned the party’s defeat in all five seats in Udupi and urged party leaders to stop creating groups within the Congress.</p>.SC/ST funds for guarantees: Karnataka's Opposition cries ‘misuse,’ Congress government not amused.<p>"There is no D K Shivakumar faction or any other leader’s faction. The only faction is the Congress faction. The district Congress must set things right within three months, or we will make changes," he asserted. He emphasised unity within the party, warning that those who engage in factional politics will ultimately fail.</p><p>"Heroes who formed groups have become zeroes, and zeroes have become heroes," he quipped.</p><p>Shivakumar also announced that the Congress would open 100 new Congress offices across Karnataka to strengthen grassroots-level workers. He urged Youth Congress leaders to work together rather than create divisions, especially after internal party elections. "You did not win against the BJP; you won within the Congress. Those who won must take along those who lost," he advised.</p><p>Speaking on recent controversies in the Kannada film industry, Shivakumar stated that filmmakers and artistes are free to express their opinions but emphasised that he has only spoken the truth. He challenged the industry to take action if they wished, stating, "If they want to protest or fight, they are free to do so. But when we were fighting for our rights and water, they did not stand with us." Referring to the Mekedatu project and protests for Karnataka’s water rights, he questioned the film fraternity’s absence. "Where were they when we fought for land and water? he asked.</p><p>Taking a dig at BJP leader R Ashok, he said "We organise IT-BT and Investors' Meet. Can they be called Congress workers? Are Gruha Lakshmi and Gruhajyothi schemes given only to Congress supporters? Let BJP workers call on people not to take guarantee schemes. Tell them not to accept programmes given by Congress. People from all parties are enjoying the benefits. If needed, pay the fare and travel by bus. Other party leaders are jealous that they are not getting an opportunity to rule."</p>