Shivakumar rejects Kumaraswamy’s ’19 MLA’ offer to become CM, says ‘no hurry’

As reported by ANI, Shivakumar said,  “I’m not in a hurry (to become CM). I have not demanded this from anyone, not even from the party leadership.” He further noted, “We contested (the state) elections under collective leadership. We have to give good governance.”

Also Read: On Siddaramaiah’s ‘will stay Karnataka CM for 5 years’, Shivakumar attacks BJP

Shivakumar reiterated his loyalty to the current Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, and said that he adheres to the directives of the party’s top leadership. “We are following whatever the high command has said, Siddaramaiah is our leader; even CM Siddaramaiah has said the same, this is our commitment,” he added.

Shivakumar’s statement comes at a time amid reports of factionalism in the ruling Congress and a tussle for the CM’s post between Siddarammaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar. Earlier on Saturday, Kumaraswamy took a jibe at Shivakumar saying if he wants to ascend, he is ready and willing to assure the support of “19 JD(S) MLAs”.

The JD(S) leader, said, “If Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wants to be CM, he can count on the support of our 19 MLAs.”

Also Read: Siddaramaiah says Karnataka farmers incurred loss of ₹30,000 crore due to drought

Kumaraswamy made his statement following reports of Congress leaders in the state asserting that several JD(S) MLAs were open to switching their loyalty to the Congress party.

Also Read: Why wasn’t DK Shivakumar made CM of Karnataka?

Furthermore, Shivakumar rejected all the claims suggesting dissatisfaction within the Karnataka Congress, asserting that it’s the BJP grappling with discontent, making it difficult for them to select their leaders.

Also Read: Karnataka Elections Result: Cong’s DK Shivakumar ‘not happy’, eyes Lok Sabha polls

Karnataka minister and Congress MLA Priyank Kharge dismissed allegations of division within the ruling party, emphasizing that all roles and duties had been explicitly delineated, ANI reported.

“There is absolutely no faction in Congress. All roles and responsibilities in our party are clearly defined. Siddaramaiah is the CM, and DK Shivakumar is the deputy CM. Whatever decision has to be taken (on the change of CM) will be taken by the high command at the right time,” Kharge told ANI.

Earlier on Friday, former Karnataka minister and BJP leader KS Eshwarappa called for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation, alleging that his cabinet colleagues held divergent views regarding his tenure as the chief minister.

(With inputs from ANI)

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Updated: 05 Nov 2023, 10:59 AM IST