D K Shivakumar patiently awaits Congress decision on leadership, says brother Suresh
Bengaluru (PTI): Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is patiently waiting for the Congress's decision on the leadership issue, his brother and former MP D K Suresh said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Suresh described Shivakumar as a "disciplined soldier of the party" who is acting in the interest of both the party and its legislators. He added that senior leader Rahul Gandhi has assured that an appropriate decision will be taken at the right time.
"The party has already asked him to be patient. Rahul Gandhi, during the meeting in Mysuru, also said that an appropriate decision would be taken at the right time," he said, reiterating that Shivakumar has been a disciplined soldier of the party from the beginning.
"In the interest of the party and legislators, and with the goal of keeping all 140 legislators together, he is patiently waiting for the party’s decision," Suresh said.
On whether there was a deadline for patience, he said, "Power doesn’t come easily to anyone. If it is written in my brother’s fate, he will become the chief minister. The post is not easy, and it cannot be achieved without patience."
Suresh further emphasised the importance of unity ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. "The party will have to fight the polls unitedly. In that direction, keeping in mind the interests of legislators and workers, patience is important," he said.
Highlighting Shivakumar’s commitment to party discipline, Suresh added, "He is also the party president and should maintain discipline first, which he is following diligently."
The 'leadership tussle' in Karnataka has intensified amid speculation of a possible change in the chief ministership after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. The speculation is linked to a reported "power-sharing" arrangement between CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar during the government’s formation in 2023.
Shivakumar had earlier indicated that discussions over the leadership issue involving himself and Siddaramaiah were held in the presence of the Congress high command, and that a decision had been reached, with timing yet to be finalised.
"Time will answer everything," he said. Shivakumar has also asserted that he enjoys the support of all 140 ruling party legislators, including CM Siddaramaiah.
When asked how long supporters of Shivakumar should remain patient, Suresh referred to the upcoming legislative session from January 22 to 31. "After that, we will have to wait and see what the high command decides," he said.
On concerns that a leadership change could affect votes from certain communities, Suresh stressed the party’s inclusive approach. "A politician needs Vokkaliga votes, Lingayat votes, as well as SC and ST votes. Appeasing one section alone won’t help. Every vote counts. Caste-based politics hampers development at both state and national levels," he said.
Suresh also highlighted Shivakumar’s loyalty to the party rather than to any individual leader. "While some people are loyal to personalities or power, D K Shivakumar has always stood by the party in all situations, whether in power or not. He sees everything patiently," he said, adding that his comments on Panchayat chairmen were illustrative and not meant to apply to state-level politics.
Asked whether Shivakumar’s intentions and patience had been conveyed to Rahul Gandhi, Suresh said the national leader considers the political situation across the country and makes decisions after consulting all stakeholders. "We have faith that the party leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, will take everyone into confidence before deciding," he said.
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PM Modi speaks to Iranian president, discusses 'serious' situation in West Asia
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.
The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.
In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
Modi earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing in those countries.
Around 1 crore Indians live in the Gulf and West Asia. While about 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, more than 40,000 live in Israel.
