Nothing to worry, Shivakumar ducks bouncers on leadership change

Bengaluru: A day after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s offensive on speculation about leadership change, his deputy D K Shivakumar declined to comment and said he has “nothing to worry.”

After arriving from New Delhi on Friday morning, Shivakumar was in no mood to respond to Siddaramaiah’s assertion on completing the full term as CM and that there was no power-sharing agreement. 

“No matter how you twist your questions, I will not take the bait. I will not comment on the topic of leadership change. I am currently focussed on fulfilling the responsibilities given by the party,” Shivakumar said, adding that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had given him ‘deekshe’ and “I have accepted it happily.” 

On Thursday, Siddaramaiah said Shivakumar did not enjoy the support of many MLAs. To this, Shivakumar said: “I am the Karnataka Congress president. I do what the party wants me to. The CM has answered your questions. So, it’s not appropriate to discuss this.”

Asked about the aspiration of his supporters to see him become the CM, Shivakumar said: “I don’t want to comment now. There’s no need to. Those who have made statements have answered questions themselves.” 

Siddaramaiah also said on Thursday that he would lead the party into the 2028 election.

“It’s his personal statement. As the party president, it’s my responsibility to organise the party. My objective is to protect the interests of the party and government,” he said. “I’m there only if the party is there. I cease to exist otherwise.”Development minister in the J H Patel Cabinet.