Power Struggle in Karnataka: Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar says “we work like brothers” and denies a falling out with Siddaramaiah
Power Struggle in Karnataka: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed reports of a falling out with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in yet another round of assertions and denials over the Karnataka power struggle. In response to rumors on the leadership dispute, Shivakumar said on Sunday that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah collaborate like brothers and referred to the claims of a breach as a “creation of the media and the Opposition.”
Shivakumar told reporters that his connection inside the party is still solid and professional in response to a query about his meeting with former minister KN Rajanna, who is said to be a close adviser to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
“Don’t I and the CM work together like brothers? “I don’t disagree with any leader of Congress,” he said. “I am also close to him. When SM Krishna was in charge of Apex Bank, I was the one who appointed him president. When asked about Rajanna, the Deputy CM said, “We are colleagues; it was just a courtesy call.”
Shivakumar asserts that he and Siddaramaiah have a stable relationship.
Speaking further about the rupture report, Shivakumar said that since Siddaramaiah joined the party sixteen years ago, their relationship has been stable.
“Not Political” Delhi Meeting: Shivakumar
Shivakumar clarified the purpose of his meeting in Delhi, stating that it was for the next high-level discussions in the Capital rather than politics. Shivakumar said that he plans to talk about metro financing at his next meeting. He is saying that the present 12–13 percent allocation is inadequate and is calling for a 50 percent subsidy for Bengaluru Metro projects.
Shivakumar is eager to discuss the Mahadayi and Yettinahole projects with the Union environment minister.
Shivakumar rejected the interpretation of the letter that senior party leader VR Sudarshan sent to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge concerning party “confusion,” claiming that the BJP is projecting its own “internal mess” onto the Congress.