If I wanted to, I could’ve taken several MLAs to Delhi with me: DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar has said there is no disagreement between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He was responding to questions from reporters near Sadashivanagar on Sunday.
When asked whether the recent breakfast meeting between him and the Chief Minister marks a new beginning in the party, Shivakumar said they are working together and must meet the expectations of the people of Karnataka. He added that the party’s next goal is the 2028 Assembly election.
He made it clear that he has never encouraged group politics. If he wanted to, he could have taken several MLAs along with him to Delhi, but he chose not to. As party president, he said, it is his duty to take everyone along and treat all 140 Congress MLAs equally. Shivakumar also recalled that he had worked with full commitment in the past with H.D. Kumaraswamy and said his loyalty was known to Kumaraswamy's father as well. He said some statements may be made due to personal reasons, but he does not take them to heart.
When asked about his discussions with K.C. Venugopal, he said he has spoken to many leaders but would not reveal those conversations publicly. On BJP’s criticism that he is acting like a “super CM,” Shivakumar said the BJP makes such comments only to stay visible as an opposition party.
Responding to a question on whether his trip to Delhi was politically motivated, he said discussions with MPs are needed on issues such as irrigation, maize prices and sugarcane. He suggested that an all-party meeting should be held in Delhi so that all MPs can attend. He added that ministers from Karnataka should also be part of these discussions.
Asked about Minister Priyank Kharge meeting Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi, Shivakumar dismissed any political angle, saying it was simply a meeting between father and son. He said Priyank had introduced new AI technology and was called to Delhi to explain it, adding that not every meeting should be seen as political.
Shivakumar also said arrangements are ready for the foundation-laying ceremony of the new Congress office, and dates are being finalised. On BJP’s plan to move a no-confidence motion in the Assembly, he said he welcomes it.
When asked about his visits to temples, he said prayer is part of personal discipline and not a political exercise. He added that he visits temples, mosques, churches and Jain basadis for peace of mind and follows the traditions taught by elders.
On his popular line that “efforts may fail, but prayers never fail,” Shivakumar said he stands by it, even if people try to twist its meaning.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
