In a fresh salvo fired by those supporting Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar in his quest to become the Chief Minister, Channagiri Congress legislator Shivaganga Basavaraj on Sunday said that it was their right to ask for the post considering the hard work and resources spent on the Congress’s success in Karnataka and declared that Mr. Shivakumar will become the Chief Minister before December.
Stating that he was there with Mr. Shivakumar always, Mr. Basavaraj said: “We are committed to his decision. If we do not support him, it is a waste that we are in the Congress. He has contributed in getting 70 to 80 legislators elected for the first time. His presence is needed and I am sure that the party would make him the Chief Minister.”
He told reporters: “Before December, he will become Chief Minister. Including this two-and-a-half year term and the next term of five years, he will be Chief Minister for the next seven-and-a-half years. I will give it in writing in blood,” he told reporters.
Mr. Basavaraj’s statement comes amid rumours of Mr. Shivakumar jumping the ship to the BJP, and has been the strongest statement emerging from Mr. Shivakumar’s camp in the recent months as jostling for the leadership has plagued the Congress.
Despite intervention by the high command, the verbal volleys have been continuing even as the speculated power-sharing formula is cited by the Deputy Chief Minister’s side.
Further, Mr. Basavaraj said: “We have all worked hard and I have been telling from the beginning that we brought the party from zero to nine seats in Lok Sabha and 86 to 140 seats in the Assembly. He has organised (the party) and he has spent money. He has sacrificed for the party. The high command is watching all this and he will become Chief Minister before December.”
When asked if Mr. Shivakumar would become the Chief Minister with the help of Congress or BJP legislators, he said: “He will become the Chief Minister with the help of Congress legislators. Since there are 140 legislators, there is no need for others’ support.”
When asked what would be the next move if the Congress does not make him the Chief Minister, he said: “That question does not arise. We believe in remaining positive.”
Taking on Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna for his statements against Mr. Shivakumar, Mr. Basavaraj said that the high command should shut him. “Is it wrong to speak about Hindus? What is wrong in observing Shivaratri? Seniors like Mr. Rajanna speak only to further their political interests.”
He said: “Mr. Rajanna is embarrassing the government and the party. I urge the high command to act against him.”
Mr. Rajanna, a known loyalist of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had taken exception to Mr. Shivakumar taking part in the Mahashivaratri celebrations in Coimbatore in which Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present. He has also been a vocal supporter for Mr. Siddaramaiah’s continuation as Chief Minister, besides urging the high command to replace Mr. Shivakumar as KPCC president.
Published – March 02, 2025 08:43 pm IST
