Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, on Tuesday, said that everyone in the Congress party must heed to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s instructions to ‘keep their mouth shut’ and not damage the party with their frequent statements on leadership.
Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said, “Any statement made by legislators, ministers or others in favour of me or against me will do more harm than good to the party. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge had asked everyone to keep their mouth shut some time ago.”
Everyday day is a good day
Asked about some Congress leaders expressing confidence that he would bring good news from Delhi, the DCM said, “Every day is a good day for me. Every day is a day of good beginnings, good tidings and challenges. We face a lot of difficulty in resolving issues faced by the people on a day to day basis. We have to continue working in the midst of criticisms.”
No secret talks between Siddaramaiah and me
Asked about demands for early closure of leadership confusion by the High command, he said, “I don’t have any confusion, others may have it. Siddaramaiah and I know what we have spoken. There is no secrecy in that, our leaders are aware of it. Let others not take ‘tension’ about this. Issuing statements won’t help anyone.”
When pointed to MLA Iqbal Hussain’s statement about him receiving a show cause notice for his comments on leadership change while Yatindra Siddaramaiah getting away, the DCM said, “We will ask the High command about it.”
Asked about his meeting of High command leaders in Delhi, he said, “When I go to Delhi, I meet all leaders I am able to. Parliament session is going on, I will meet them if time permits.”
“There is a meeting at the AICC at 4 pm to discuss various upcoming elections and political situations. The election dates may be announced for some states and hence I have been called to Delhi,” he noted.
“I had gone to Kerala and then I have to go to Assam too. I could not attend the pre-budget meeting with the CM today, I have informed the CM about it. I had a meeting on Monday with the officials on the budget, they will hold discussions with the CM about the budget. I will take a briefing from them on the proceedings of the pre-budget meeting,” he added.