New Delhi: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday clarified that there is no vacancy for the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka and asserted that the Congress party is fully utilising Siddaramaiah’s influence as a prominent OBC leader at the national level.
Addressing reporters in the national capital, Shivakumar said, “Siddaramaiah is a powerful leader of the backward classes, and the party is drawing upon his leadership for national mobilisation. A national-level OBC leaders’ meeting will be held on July 15 in Bengaluru under his guidance.”
When asked whether any political discussions were scheduled in Delhi, the DCM confirmed, “On July 10, I along with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior AICC leaders will be meeting to deliberate on party organisation matters.”
He denied that the meeting was about Siddaramaiah being appointed as the national head of the OBC panel, stating instead that “it will focus on organisational affairs.” Shivakumar further clarified that although Siddaramaiah is not officially heading the committee, he will preside over the July 15 meeting due to his stature and contributions to the OBC movement.
“The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) will host the event. Siddaramaiah’s long-standing role in championing backward class causes makes him a natural leader for such platforms. The Congress is leveraging his leadership and capabilities at the national level,” he added.
No Change in CM Post:
On reports that some legislators are supporting him for the CM position, Shivakumar firmly stated, “There is no vacancy in the Chief Minister’s post. This is not the appropriate time to discuss such matters.”
Asked about reports that the state lacks funds for food grain transport vehicles under the Anna Bhagya scheme, he responded, “I don’t have specific information on that yet. I will look into it and respond accordingly.”
