If I wanted to, I could’ve taken several MLAs to Delhi with me: DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar has said there is no disagreement between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He was responding to questions from reporters near Sadashivanagar on Sunday.
When asked whether the recent breakfast meeting between him and the Chief Minister marks a new beginning in the party, Shivakumar said they are working together and must meet the expectations of the people of Karnataka. He added that the party’s next goal is the 2028 Assembly election.
He made it clear that he has never encouraged group politics. If he wanted to, he could have taken several MLAs along with him to Delhi, but he chose not to. As party president, he said, it is his duty to take everyone along and treat all 140 Congress MLAs equally. Shivakumar also recalled that he had worked with full commitment in the past with H.D. Kumaraswamy and said his loyalty was known to Kumaraswamy's father as well. He said some statements may be made due to personal reasons, but he does not take them to heart.
When asked about his discussions with K.C. Venugopal, he said he has spoken to many leaders but would not reveal those conversations publicly. On BJP’s criticism that he is acting like a “super CM,” Shivakumar said the BJP makes such comments only to stay visible as an opposition party.
Responding to a question on whether his trip to Delhi was politically motivated, he said discussions with MPs are needed on issues such as irrigation, maize prices and sugarcane. He suggested that an all-party meeting should be held in Delhi so that all MPs can attend. He added that ministers from Karnataka should also be part of these discussions.
Asked about Minister Priyank Kharge meeting Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi, Shivakumar dismissed any political angle, saying it was simply a meeting between father and son. He said Priyank had introduced new AI technology and was called to Delhi to explain it, adding that not every meeting should be seen as political.
Shivakumar also said arrangements are ready for the foundation-laying ceremony of the new Congress office, and dates are being finalised. On BJP’s plan to move a no-confidence motion in the Assembly, he said he welcomes it.
When asked about his visits to temples, he said prayer is part of personal discipline and not a political exercise. He added that he visits temples, mosques, churches and Jain basadis for peace of mind and follows the traditions taught by elders.
On his popular line that “efforts may fail, but prayers never fail,” Shivakumar said he stands by it, even if people try to twist its meaning.
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Ahead of good Friday, SWR announces special train between Yesvantpur-Kannur via Mangaluru
Bengaluru: Ahead of the upcoming Good Friday festival weekend, the South Western Railway has announced a one-trip special train service between Yesvantpur Junction and Kannur via Mangaluru Junction.
According to an official released from the SWR, Train Number 06551 Yesvantpur–Kannur Express Special will depart Yesvantpur at 11.50 am on April 2 and is scheduled to arrive Kannur at 3.00 am on April 3.
In the return direction, Train Number 06552 Kannur–Yesvantpur Express Special will leave Kannur at 8.45 am on April 3 and reach Yesvantpur at 9.30 pm the same day.
The special train will halt at Kunigal, Channarayapatna, Hassan, Sakleshpura, Subrahmanya Road, Kabaka Puttur, Bantawala, Mangaluru Junction, Kasaragod, Kanhangad and Payyannur.
The train composition will have two AC two-tier coaches, six AC three-tier coaches, seven sleeper class coaches, four general second class coaches.
