“Who Said Numbers Are With Him?” DK Shivakumar On Siddaramaiah Over Karnataka Row

BENGALURU: Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar, who is battling Congress Legislative Party leader Siddaramaiah for the role of chief minister, gave the impression that he was a busy man with other things on his mind. In the midst of the political drama, he received birthday congratulations from fans, conducted a closed-door meeting with select MLAs, and even paid a visit to Nonavinakere Mutt and chatted with pontiff, his guru.

In a TOI interview, he denied rumours that he had given up on becoming the next chief minister.

When you wished Siddaramaiah “all the best,” it led to rumours that you had consented to let him become chief minister.

It’s all nonsense. Nothing has been spoken of thus far. I had promised to give Karnataka to Congress and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, and I have kept my word. Now it is for them to decide.

It is claimed that Siddaramaiah will become the chief minister because the numbers favour him.

Who said that he is a man of numbers? There aren’t any figures. 135 [the number of Congress MLAs] is the only number there is. The counting of the votes has not yet taken place, according to an MLA sitting next to Shivakumar. He questioned, “How can TV channels claim Siddaramaiah has more numbers? “.

In light of the Lok Sabha elections, Siddaramaiah’s supporters claim that he has a better reputation and is better qualified to lead the government.

Allow them to dream. Who am I to forbid them from having dreams? Prior to the Lok Sabha elections, I also hope to promote good governance and enhance the party’s reputation, particularly in rural areas.

Has the party’s leadership developed a plan for power distribution?

No, Nothing has been discussed thus far. Tomorrow (Tuesday), I’m flying to New Delhi, where we’ll talk about everything.

How come you didn’t travel to Delhi on Monday?

On my birthday, I wanted to express my gratitude to the party members and supporters. It was my duty. My blood pressure was also elevated. It’s normal now.

Will you agree to share the post with Siddaramaiah?

It is not property to be shared like siblings share ancestral property. It is a question of forming the government. There can’t be sharing.

If Siddaramaiah is elected as the next chief minister, will you consent to serve as his deputy?

Nothing has yet been decided or discussed. I do not have any demands.

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(This is a TOI story that has been rewritten by Bharat Express staff.)