Bengaluru, Dec. 21: Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Sunday strongly dismissed speculation about internal differences within the Congress, asserting that there was no rift between him and the party leadership, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Responding to media queries near his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar said, “I have no differences with any Congress leader. Aren’t the Chief Minister and I working together like brothers?”
On Meetings With CM’s ‘Close Aides’
When asked about his meetings with individuals perceived as close to the Chief Minister, Shivakumar rejected the premise outright.
“Who says they are close only to the CM? They are close to me as well. Tell me, who is not close to whom? Am I not close to the CM?” he asked.
Referring to senior leader K.N. Rajanna, Shivakumar said Rajanna had been associated with him for years.
“Rajanna was earlier in the JD(S); I am in the Congress. During S.M. Krishna’s tenure, I was the one who made him the Apex Bank president. This has nothing to do with the Chief Minister. You can ask Rajanna himself,” he said.
‘Media and Opposition Creating Differences’
Addressing claims that the meetings were politically motivated, Shivakumar said, “We are colleagues and have worked together. I have no differences with anyone. Since the day Rajanna joined our party over the last 16 years, has there ever been a difference between me and the CM?”
He alleged that differences are being manufactured by sections of the media and the Opposition.
“They create narratives that suit them. Some political statements are bound to happen. Does that mean brothers should stop talking to each other?” he remarked.
‘Congress Leaders Working Unitedly’
Reiterating party unity, Shivakumar said all Congress leaders were working together.
“Everyone is my friend and colleague. I have never gone looking for a fight. I have never made statements targeting any Congress leader. Show me one instance. I have only responded to Opposition statements, never initiated attacks,” he said.
On reports that he would meet Rajanna again, Shivakumar clarified that the meeting was cordial.
“He is our MLA and former minister. We couldn’t speak properly on Saturday, so I told him I would meet him today after the Governor’s programme,” he said.
‘No Confusion in the Party’
Asked about a letter reportedly written by B.R. Sudarshan to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking resolution of internal issues, Shivakumar said, “According to me, there is no confusion at all. The confusion exists only in the media and the BJP. They have enough problems in their own party.”
On comments by Home Minister G. Parameshwara about resolving differences, he said, “I am not his spokesperson. Senior leaders will respond in their own way.”
‘People’s Blessings Are My Confidence’
When reporters observed that he appeared unusually confident, Shivakumar responded with a smile, “You (the media) are the reason. You give unnecessary publicity. The real source of my confidence is the blessings of the people.”
Asked whether he had received any calls from the party high command, Shivakumar said he had already spoken to senior leaders regarding the Legislative Council elections, including discussions on issuing B-Forms to four candidates.
When questioned about a possible high-command visit, he dismissed the speculation, saying, “Wherever I go, you turn it into politics. Leave that aside. Talk about roads. All potholes have been filled. Our GBA Commissioner is on the ground morning and evening. Why don’t you show that?”
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: “ನಾವು ಸಹೋದರರಂತೆ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲವೇ?”: ಗೊಂದಲದ ಸುದ್ದಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಡಿಕೆ ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ತಿರುಗೇಟು
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