No tussle for CM seat in K’taka, says Shivakumar

Shivakumar said he was not scheduled to meet any leader from the All-India Congress Committee and stressed that he remained committed to serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. He described himself as a loyal party worker and underlined that there was no question of a power struggle in the state.

Responding to repeated questions on leadership speculation, he said that decisions on leadership were the sole prerogative of the Congress party. He added that whenever the party leadership took a call, it would be accepted without hesitation, and cautioned against naming or projecting individuals.

On speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka, he advised the media to seek clarity from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar declined to comment on issues outside his portfolio, including air pollution, saying he did not wish to speak on matters beyond his remit.

He said he was unaware of any discussions on the subject when asked about Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s political role or suggestions of her being projected as a prime ministerial face. He reiterated that his political leadership was clearly defined, identifying the AICC president as his leader and Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition.

Shivakumar reiterated that his presence in Delhi was purely for official work and not linked to any political developments. He said he had come to meet Union Ministers on state-related matters, including irrigation and urban development projects, and did not intend to comment on political issues that were not currently relevant.

Speculation around a possible leadership change has resurfaced as the Karnataka Government recently crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term, reviving talk of a so-called two-and-a-half-year power-sharing formula. Shivakumar, however, categorically denied that any such arrangement was under discussion.