'We can win 60 seats we lost in 2023,' says D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar claimed on Monday that the Congress party could win 60 seats that it lost in the 2023 Assembly polls.

Shivakumar told a press meet: “According to our internal survey and my political experience, we can win 60 seats that we lost. In the remaining 20-22 places, I will speak with AICC on formulating a new plan of action to develop the party there.”

Referring to inauguration of KPCC offices in 100 places, Shivakumar said that some properties belong to the government (urban development and revenue lands). 

“We have given applications and the process is on. In Ramanagar, we were given government land. Someone has brought a court stay,” he said.

“To save my prestige, I have to buy that land tomorrow or the day after and gift it to the party. I have directed everyone to donate land to the party,” he said. 

Shivakumar said leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge have been invited to the foundation-laying ceremony of the new Congress office in Bengaluru. They might virtually inaugurate the offices elsewhere, he said.  

He said that the party would hold constituency-wise meetings of block Congress workers from March 23 to April 1 where CM Siddaramaiah and ministers are expected to participate.

Shivakumar said all cells, departments and booth-level committees have to be revamped. Offices should not be run in the houses of MLAs, he said.

When asked about his scheduled visit to Delhi on Tuesday, he clarified that he planned to meet Union Minister Somanna on irrigation matters.

“If there’s time, if our leaders are in Delhi and available, I will go and meet them. AICC office is like a temple to us,” Shivakumar said.