Bengaluru: Congress leader and former MP D K Suresh on Thursday voiced his personal desire to see his elder brother and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar rise to the Chief Minister’s post, while acknowledging that the seat is currently occupied.
“I have a desire that my elder brother becomes the CM one day. He has served the party with loyalty, and people across Karnataka have placed their faith in Congress hoping he will be given a chance,” Suresh told reporters in Bengaluru.
However, he quickly added, “But the seat is not vacant now. What can be done?”
Suresh also refrained from speculating on a potential leadership change within the current government term, stating, “I’m too small to comment on that. The party high command will decide. Right now, Siddaramaiah is our leader and the CM.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has consistently affirmed that he intends to serve a full five-year term, a position backed by Shivakumar, who earlier this week reiterated his commitment to support Siddaramaiah, saying he had “no option” but to follow the party’s directives.
When asked if Siddaramaiah’s statement was problematic, Suresh replied, “What’s wrong in a CM saying he will serve his full term? He was chosen by the Congress leadership and the legislature party. The government is functioning well, so there’s no reason for discussion.”
Addressing Shivakumar’s comment of having “no option,” Suresh clarified that it should not be interpreted as helplessness. “He has always respected the party’s decisions. As KPCC president, it is his responsibility to uphold discipline. That’s what he’s doing,” he said.
When asked if this meant Shivakumar had compromised, Suresh denied it, asserting that decisions made by the party leadership must be respected. “He still has hopes, and there will be a reward someday,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ramanagara MLA H A Iqbal Hussain, who was recently issued a show-cause notice by the Congress for publicly stating Shivakumar should become CM, cryptically responded to reporters saying, “Wait and watch,” when asked about Shivakumar’s perceived helplessness.
