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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday dismissed speculation of a rift within the state Congress, asserting that there was nothing wrong with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's meeting with party legislators.
Speaking to mediapersons at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said, "Calling a legislators' meeting is well within the power of the CM. What is wrong with it? AICC General Secretary Surjewala, who had held meetings with MLAs, has given his feedback to the CM. The legislators' meeting is regarding that. I have no problem with the meeting; I'm not sure why it is troubling the media." The remark came against the backdrop of CM Siddaramaiah holding a meeting with Congress MLAs, excluding Shivakumar. "I have no issues with the meeting. I will hold a separate meeting with legislators concerned, as we have a different agenda for Bengaluru city. I have also held discussions with many MLAs already," DK Shivakumar said. Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over their criticism that the CM has ignored the Deputy CM, he said, "Let them set their house in order before commenting on other parties. There is factionalism in the BJP, and their leaders are up against each other publicly." "The formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority is for the greater good of Bengaluru city. This decision has been taken keeping in mind the geographical, administrative, and economic aspects. We have to submit an affidavit to the Supreme Court regarding the elections," he added. Further reacting to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressing disappointment over missing out on becoming the CM of Karnataka, Shivakumar said, "There is nothing wrong in it. He is a senior leader of the party and has worked hard for it. He has just expressed his feelings. There is nothing wrong with a debate like that. Everyone is entitled to their opinion." (ANI)
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