Don't understand what Yathindra said on leadership, says Shivakumar
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday asserted that there were no differences between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, adding that he did not understand the comments made by the CM’s son on the issue of a leadership change in the state.
Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s remarks on Monday--that there was "no question" of a leadership change at present and that he believed Siddaramaiah would continue as chief minister for the full five-year term--had reignited speculation over a possible change of guard, just days after a temporary truce following a round of "breakfast diplomacy" between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
"Everything is fine. There is no difference between me and the chief minister— it was never there, it is not there today, and it won’t be there in the future. I have not understood what he (Yathindra) has said. I will speak to him," Shivakumar said when asked about the comments.
ALSO READ: Karnataka HC stays govt notification on menstrual leave
Speaking to reporters, he declined to reveal details of his discussions with the Congress high command or when he might next be called for a meeting.
When asked why the Congress had issued notices to those who spoke in his support but not to Yathindra, Shivakumar--who is also the state Congress president--simply said, "I will talk to them..."
Following Yathindra’s remarks, Siddaramaiah on Monday reiterated that he would abide by whatever decision the party high command takes.
Responding to media questions on Tuesday, Yathindra said, "Let anyone say whatever they want. I have said what I have to. I don’t want to react further."
Speculation about a leadership change had intensified after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, fuelled by talk of an alleged power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar dating back to 2023.
Recently, the chief minister and deputy CM held breakfast meetings at each other’s residences on instructions from the party high command—a move seen as an attempt to pause the leadership tussle and signal Siddaramaiah’s continuation as chief minister for now, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session that began on December 8.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
