It is not proper to speak on leadership change after CM’s clarification, says DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru, Jul 11 (PTI): In the wake of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserting that he would complete his five years’ tenure, his deputy D K Shivakumar on Friday said the CM has replied to all the questions on the matter.
"The Chief Minister has already answered all your questions. It’s not appropriate for me to keep repeating the same, and it’s not right for you to keep asking," Shivakumar told reporters at the Bengaluru airport, upon his return from New Delhi.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were in the national capital to meet the Congress high command earlier this week.
"Why are you (pointing to reporters) panicking about our internal matters when we are not?" Shivakumar quipped, dismissing speculation that the talks were about a power-sharing arrangement.
Following the Congress’ victory in the May 2023 Assembly elections, there had been intense competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the Chief Minister's post. Reports at the time suggested that they agreed upon a rotational CM formula, under which Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years, in November 2025. However, the party has never confirmed such an agreement.
Asked about growing support for him within the party to take over as CM, Shivakumar said, "Leave it. Many of you have aspirations too." He declined to comment further on questions about leadership change.
"I’m not going to answer any of your questions at this point," he said, adding that there were no political discussions during the Delhi visit.
"We discussed appointments of party workers as chairpersons and members of boards and corporations. Since all MLAs have submitted their opinions, we’re now in the final stages. One more round of discussions with the high command will help finalise the names," he said.
On Thursday, Siddaramaiah told reporters in Delhi that there was "no vacancy" for the top post when asked about speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka.
"Is there any vacancy for the chief ministership? I am very much here before you. I am the Chief Minister of Karnataka. That is what Shivakumar has said, and I am also saying it... There is no vacancy," he added.
He also pointed out that the Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, had categorically denied any leadership change, and that Shivakumar had echoed the same.
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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
