If it’s in his destiny, D.K. Shivakumar will become Chief Minister: D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: BEML president and former Bengaluru Rural MP D.K. Suresh on Wednesday said that his brother and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will become Chief Minister only if destiny permits.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar, Suresh remarked, “If it’s written on his forehead, he will become Chief Minister, otherwise not. There’s no need to worry about it.” He added that Shivakumar is working as per the directions of the party, upholding the dignity and unity of the Congress.
“I do wish to see my brother as Chief Minister, but such matters are decided by fate and the party. As party president and deputy CM, he is ensuring that the organization remains strong and respected,” Suresh said.
Responding to questions about the November 15 speculation on leadership changes, Suresh dismissed them, saying, “When I hear November, I think of Kannada Rajyotsava. Let us celebrate that festival together. For other matters, ask the Chief Minister, the party president, or AICC leaders.”
On former minister K.N. Rajanna’s remarks that Congress offices would need to be locked if Shivakumar became CM, Suresh said, “Senior leaders like Rajanna share their opinions with party elders. Such discussions are internal.”
Suresh made it clear that the Congress would contest the 2028 Assembly elections under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership. “Even at his age, he is energetic and active. There is no problem in him leading the next election,” he said.
Asked about the alleged two-and-a-half-year power-sharing arrangement, he responded, “People have given us a five-year mandate. We must work together to honor that trust. The government and the party are functioning with that goal.”
On whether leadership confusion was affecting governance, he replied, “I have experience as a Member of Parliament, not as an administrator. Running a government is a different responsibility.”
Suresh also commented on the RSS route marches, saying the government had not imposed any ban but raised questions about armed processions. “Marching with sticks may have been acceptable earlier, but today, if other groups did the same, what would happen? RSS members have shifted from wearing shorts to pants — that shows change. They should continue to adapt,” he said.
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BJP to fight Assam polls on twin planks of development, secure state
Guwahati (PTI): In a bid to win the Assam Assembly elections for the third time in a row, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday advised the state BJP brass to fight on twin planks: development and a secure state.
Shah, who wound up a two-day visit to Assam, held a nearly two-hour-long meeting with senior leaders of the BJP state unit at the party headquarters here, with a focus on discussing strategy for the state elections, expected in March-April.
Briefing reporters after the closed-door meeting, BJP Assam president Dilip Saikia said, "Development and a secure Assam will be our twin electoral planks."
He also said that Shah, known for his expertise in electoral politics, has offered valuable suggestions, and based on it, an action plan to retain power in the state will be formulated soon.
“Discussions were held in detail on our organisational and political calendars. Shah ji offered some very valuable suggestions, and we will implement those at the earliest…We will share more details on the action plan soon,” Saikia said.
He further said that the Union minister exhorted the state party leadership to ensure that not only do they secure a ‘massive landslide victory’ but also bag more seats than in the previous election.
The BJP currently leads a coalition government in Assam with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), while the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) has also extended support.
In the 126-member Assembly, the BJP now has 64 legislators, while its allies AGP, UPPL and BPF have nine, seven and three memnbers, respectively. In the opposition camp, the Congress’ strength is 26, while AIUDF has 15 members and CPI(M) one. There is an Independent legislator also, belonging to Raijor Dal.
Saikia said that the party will continue to contest the state polls in coalition with its NDA allies, which was also favoured by Shah.
Dismissing reports of chinks in the ruling coalition, the Lok Sabha MP said, “As far as the NDA is concerned, we are united in Assam. There could be discussions about some issues on individual party forums.”
The saffron party has maintained that its alliance with the regional parties will continue, and formalities like seat-sharing arrangements are being worked out.
Shah, who was on his second visit to the state within a month, attended two other events in Dibrugarh and Dheamji earlier in the day. He left for West Bengal after the meeting at the Guwahati state party headquarters.
