DK Shivakumar downplays meeting with Kharge amid talks of CM change
Bengaluru/New Delhi (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday played down the significance of his meeting with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, one that came amidst speculations of a leadership change in the southern state.
The meeting on Sunday was held to discuss party matters, Shivakumar, also the Karnataka Congress chief, said.
Reluctant to share details of his meeting the party president, Shivakumar said, "we are all there if the party is there."
The meeting comes as the Congress government in Karnataka reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, which is being dubbed by some as the "November revolution". Speculations have also been rife over Shivakumar's possible elevation as CM in lines with a rumoured 2023 agreement with CM Siddaramaiah.
According to several party insiders, if the Congress high command approves a cabinet reshuffle, it would signal that the incumbent chief minister Siddaramaiah will complete the full term, scuttling the chances of Shivakumar for the coveted post.
"It is natural for the party state president to meet the national president, nothing special. There were some party matters like inauguration of party offices, also some trust-related matters. Other than that, nothing," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi on questions regarding his meeting with Kharge.
To a query about the meeting amid speculations about cabinet reshuffle and leadership change, he merely said, "nothing... if the party is there, we are all there."
There have been talks within state's political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the chief minister change, citing "power-sharing" agreement involving CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital to discuss state-specific issues.
Regarding the CM's meeting with PM Modi, the Deputy CM said, "CM told me too (to join), but I have some family commitment, I will see if I can go."
Asked whether the state's irrigation and water projects will be discussed during the CM's meeting with the PM, Shivakumar, who holds the Water Resources portfolio, said, "We (water resources department) have prepared on the matter and given it to the CM."
Noting that he will be meeting Senior Advocate Shyam Divan to thank him following a favourable Supreme Court order in the Mekedatu case, the Deputy CM said, "We will also discuss with him the way forward and seek his advice."
The Supreme Court had on Thursday rejected a plea by the Tamil Nadu government against the construction of the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project across the Cauvery river by Karnataka, terming it "premature".
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
