Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar defends attending Sadhguru's event
Bengaluru/Udupi (PTI): Amid criticism from a section within the ruling Congress, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday strongly defended his visit to Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha yoga centre in Tamil Nadu for Mahashivaratri celebrations, calling it is his personal belief.
Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, while calling BJP leaders' claims about fast-paced political developments in the state in the days ahead, as "bogus", said that a number of leaders and legislators from the saffron party were in touch with his party.
"Sadhguru is from Karnataka. He has been fighting for the cause of Cauvery water and soil. He personally came and invited me. He has a big following and he is doing some great work... MLAs and leaders from various political parties were there at the event. I have gone there. That is my personal belief," Shivakumar said in response to a question.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "I believe in all religions, all castes. The Congress party's ideology is to take everyone in society together. I don't differentiate between such matters. Some people may like it, some may not."
Shivakumar sharing the dais with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev at the Shivaratri event on Wednesday has reportedly created some amount of unease among a section of Congress leaders, who apparently feel that he may be getting close to the BJP's ideology.
Cooperation K N Rajanna on Saturday questioned Shivakumar sharing the stage with those who have been critical of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
To a question about criticisms, especially by Rajanna, the Deputy CM said, "I don't want to answer any of them. I will speak to them. If they have any problems, let's give them some medicine."
Trying to take political advantage of the situation, BJP leaders took a dig at the ruling Congress, by comparing Shivakumar with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and also predicted a "fast-paced" political development in the state.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition government in Maharashtra fell in 2022 following a split in Shiv Sena, with MLAs led by Eknath Shinde breaking out and joining hands with the BJP.
On BJP leaders predicting fast paced political developments in the state in the days ahead, Shivakumar said, "it is all bogus. First let the BJP keep its house in order."
"As some of my ministers have said, a lot of BJP MLAs are trying to be in touch with us. Already, my minister has disclosed it, I don't want to discuss that. It (BJP) is a broken house, Congress is a united house," he said.
Responding to a question, the Deputy CM said the Congress party fully opposes the proposed nation-wide delimitation exercise. They (BJP led central govt) are trying to reduce our numbers (number of Lok Sabha seats) in the south. We stand united, we will fight united. We want our status to be there..."
Later, speaking to reporters in Udupi, Shivakumar said his visit to any temple or speech in favour of any community triggers debate these days.
"If I go to any temple or speak about any community, it triggers things... I had gone to Kumbh Mela which is a confluence of three rivers. Does water have any caste, religion or party? ...I have also participated in Kumbh Mela at a confluence of rivers at T Narasipura here, after coming from there. What is wrong? There is no need for any calculations..." he said, responding to a question.
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.
Nothing wrong in MLAs aspiring for ministerial position: K'taka HM Parameshwara
_vb_23.jpeg)
Bengaluru (PTI): Amid a group of ruling Congress MLAs camping in Delhi with a cabinet rejig demand for their inclusion, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there was nothing wrong in legislators aspiring for ministerial positions.
He asserted that experienced MLAs were capable of handling such responsibilities.
His remarks came a day after senior and first-time MLAs stepped up lobbying efforts in the national capital with the party high command, seeking a cabinet reshuffle and greater representation.
"There is nothing wrong in them asking for it (ministerial position)," Parameshwara, a senior Congress leader, said
He added that the MLAs, some of who have been elected thrice, are capable to take up the ministerial positions.
He maintained that the final call on any cabinet reshuffle rests with the party high command.
"Our Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah), the high command, and our party (state) president (DK Shivakumar) decide about reshuffle. These three sit together and take a decision," he said.
The minister also indicated that the established procedure for cabinet formation was likely being followed.
"Earlier too, when I was the (state Congress) president, during cabinet formation, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader, and our in-charge general secretaries would take decisions that would then be presented before our AICC president, approval would be obtained, and then it would be announced," he said.
He added that even today the same procedure is followed.
Responding to questions on whether senior ministers would make way for newcomers, Parameshwara said they would abide by the party's decision.
"If the high command decides then we have to accept it. There is no question of not accepting it," he said.
Stressing on party discipline, he added, "Whether it is me, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, or Energy Minister K J George, we all are seniors. If they (high command) decide that we should be replaced and make changes, then there is no question of us opposing it."
Clarifying that discussions were limited to a possible cabinet reshuffle, he said decisions on leadership matters were entirely in the hands of the high command.
He said the discussions were limited only to the Cabinet rejig and not changing the party state president, a post being held by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for the past six years.
"Right now we are discussing cabinet reshuffle, not about the party president. All such matters are left to the high command," he said.
Recalling his own appointment as state Congress president in the past, Parameshwara said he had not lobbied for the post. "When I was made president, I did not lobby for it. Our leader Sonia Gandhi took the decision. It came as a surprise to me. I had not asked for it," he said.
On Sunday, several senior MLAs travelled to Delhi to press for a cabinet reshuffle, while first-time legislators renewed their demand for representation, seeking at least five berths in the Siddaramaiah-led ministry.
The push for a rejig comes amid internal rumblings within the ruling party and speculation over leadership issues, even as the high command is yet to take a final call.
_vb_23.jpeg)
_vb_54.jpeg)
_vb_41.jpeg)