Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has appealed to party legislators not to go to Delhi on his behalf. He emphasized that there is no intention of displaying strength amidst ongoing speculations about leadership conflicts within the state unit. Some of his supporters have been requesting the party leadership to intervene in the matter.
Shivakumar’s comments come in light of reports suggesting that over 40 MLAs had gathered under the guise of a birthday celebration for Congress MLA H. C. Balakrishna. When questioned about this gathering and whether it indicated a show of strength, Shivakumar clarified that it was not the case. He stated that personal reasons often lead people to travel, and such activities are unrelated to the party.
Responding to statements from some MLAs proposing him as Chief Minister, Shivakumar mentioned that he was unaware of such remarks. He noted that newcomers often aspire to ministerial roles, and he plans to discuss these aspirations with the party leadership in Delhi. The Deputy CM also addressed the Cabinet’s decision on recruitment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises of employment for the youth.
On the issue of potential water shortages during summer, Shivakumar highlighted the approval of the Cauvery Phase VI drinking water project by the Cabinet. This project, costing Rs 7,000 crore, aims to cater to Bengaluru’s future water needs. Additionally, Congress MLA Ajay Singh commented on recent dinner meetings among ruling party MLAs, stating that such gatherings are routine and reflect democratic opinions.
Legislators were advised by Singh to prioritize securing funds ranging from Rs 25 crore to Rs 50 crore for development projects in their constituencies, rather than focusing on leadership matters. Ajay Singh, the son of former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh, emphasized the importance of constituency development efforts.
