'Hard work brought me this far': Shivakumar confident about what Cong may decide for him
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Sunday that his hard work has brought him this far in politics and that he is confident about the Congress party’s future decision regarding him.
Shivakumar, also the state Congress president, made the comments amid a "power tussle" in the party over the chief minister’s post, in which he is involved.
He made the remarks while addressing the 'Udyami Vokkaliga-FC Expo 2025', an event aimed at promoting Vokkaliga entrepreneurship.
Shivakumar belongs to the Vokkaliga community, which has a substantial presence in south Karnataka.
"For my hard work, I have come this far, serving eight times as MLA and working in Bengaluru among all these people. I have faced many challenges to reach this position, and I am here. Whatever the party decides for me in the future, I am confident," Shivakumar said.
Recalling public support during his jail term for "political reasons", he said, "People across parties and communities continue to pray for me. I have said before...efforts may fail, but prayer never fails."
Shivakumar was arrested by the ED in September 2019 in a money laundering case, and the Delhi High Court granted him bail the following month.
Referring to being called a 'bande' (rock) by supporters, he said, "A rock is natural. When carved, it takes shape, and when worshipped in the form of an idol, it becomes culture."
The "power tussle" within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about a possible change in the CM after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
The speculation follows a 2023 "power-sharing" pact between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
In a veiled attack on JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, also a Vokkaliga, Shivakumar said members of his own community target and criticise him every day, but added that such things are common in politics.
"I may be younger, but I have gained extensive experience without any political background. Who is targeting me at the end of the day? It is members of my own community criticising me on TV and social media. Such attacks are common in politics, and we shouldn’t be bothered by them," he said.
Defending his record during the Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) coalition government, he said, "Kumaranna accused me of backstabbing him. No problem—I don’t need a certificate from anyone. My conscience is enough".
Responding to a question about Kumaraswamy’s claim that Siddaramaiah is on a "lease" as CM, Shivakumar said the chief minister is capable of responding and added, "We don’t take such statements seriously."
On MGNREGA, he said he is ready for a debate with opposition leaders. "The opposition has also said it is ready. Let any TV news channel organise a debate. I will participate whenever required. I welcome Kumaraswamy too," he said.
Clarifying his readiness for a public debate, Shivakumar added, "Let their party president, BJP’s B Y Vijayendra, come. I welcome Kumaraswamy as well. I have accepted the challenge. Whenever they schedule it, I am ready for a debate in the Assembly or on any TV channel. I need three days to adjust my schedule, but I don’t require preparation. I have MGNREGA details at my fingertips."
The Congress has demanded that the Centre scrap the new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM) Act and restore the UPA-era MGNREGA scheme.
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
