Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge responded to Veerappa Moily’s remarks about Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, downplaying speculation about him taking over as Chief Minister. Kharge clarified that no one, including Moily, claimed Shivakumar would assume the role immediately.
Leadership Decisions Rest with High Command
Kharge emphasized that party decisions rest with the Congress high command and not individual leaders. He stated, “Neither Moily nor anyone else said that DK Shivakumar is going to be the CM today or tomorrow. They said that one day, he would be rewarded for his hard work. High command will decide it.” He reiterated that Siddaramaiah remains the Chief Minister, while Shivakumar serves as Deputy CM.
Congress Stands by High Command’s Decision
Supporting Kharge’s stance, Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad also dismissed any internal leadership debate. He stated, “If Moily has made such a statement, then you have to ask him because we always follow the policy of the high command. Whatever the high command says, that is final for us.”
Moily’s Praise for DK Shivakumar
On Sunday, Veerappa Moily had praised DK Shivakumar, asserting that he has the potential to become Chief Minister. He said, “You have given good leadership. You have built the party. People are making statements, but no one can stop you from becoming CM. Becoming Chief Minister is not something that should be given as a gift; it is something he has earned through hard work.”
DK Shivakumar Denies Links to BJP
Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar dismissed reports suggesting he was getting close to the BJP, calling it false propaganda. He firmly stated, “I was born a Congressman, and I cherish it. It is being misled that I am getting closer to the BJP, which is a false conspiracy against me.” He addressed these claims during a press conference at his Sadashivanagar residence.
