'Keep your mouth shut': Shivakumar tells Congress leaders to refrain from comments on leadership issue in public

State Congress president D K Shivakumar also warned of disciplinary action.

Bengaluru: With Congress leaders publicly speculating on internal matters, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday issued an ultimatum for his party colleagues to stand down, threatening them with disciplinary action otherwise.

Shivakumar, the Karnataka Congress president, was referring to statements and counter-statements on the topic of changing the chief minister and appointing additional deputy chief ministers.

"There is no discussion on any deputy CM nor is there any question on the CM," Shivakumar said. He added that Vokkalinga pontiff Chandrashekaranatha Swami publicly sought the CM's chair for Shivakumar only out of affection. "I don't need anybody's recommendation. The party high command will decide for the work I have done," he said.

"There is no need for any minister to comment on the CM or Deputy CM issue in public or before the media," Shivakumar said. "If any MLA or anyone from the party raises it, the AICC or I will be forced to issue notices and take disciplinary action. There is nothing without discipline," Shivakumar said. "In the interest of the party, I am telling everyone - if you shut your mouth, it will be good for the party."

Asked about seers commenting on political matters, Shivakumar said: "I request all of them with folded hands not to interfere in political matters."

Rajanna defiant

Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, who is pushing for additional deputy CMs and possibly a new KPCC chief, remained defiant and said he does not care about warnings. 

"If I get a notice, I will reply. What is wrong with what I have asked? If yes, then I will face whatever action is taken. I won't listen to any warnings," Rajanna said. 

On Shivakumar asking Congress leaders to "shut their mouths", Rajanna said this must apply to all. "If someone says Siddaramaiah should resign, then should we keep quiet?" he said, referring to the Vokkalinga pontiff's statement. "That statement (by the seer) is an insult to OBCs and democracy," he said, adding that Shamanur Shivashankarappa and Satish Jarkiholi should be CMs going by pontiffs. "Can things be done the way pontiffs want?" 

Face polls, says Suresh

Meanwhile, former Bangalore Rural MP D K Suresh, Shivakumar's brother, dared those seeking new deputy CM positions to face elections.

"After talking secularism, we are now making caste-based demands," Suresh rued. "Those seeking positions...let us go to polls under their leadership. If they emerge victorious, they can claim whatever position they want," he said.