'All MLAs Are My MLAs': How DK Shivakumar Responded Amid Speculation Over Karnataka CM Post

Bengaluru:

Amid a power tussle in the Karnataka government over the Chief Minister’s post and talk of a possible cabinet reshuffle, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed speculation about a change of guard, even as some MLAs rushed to Delhi to meet the party High Command.Speaking to reporters during the recent political churn in the state, Shivakumar said all MLAs in the Karnataka government are his MLAs, adding that forming groups is not in his nature."All are eligible to go and meet their leaders. You can’t stop them, you can’t tell them no, because so many are going with ministers. Some of them are going with the CM. Who will stop them? No one will stop them," DK Shivakumar remarked.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1Zk_Q-uY7w

His comments came amid reports that several MLAs were heading to Delhi to meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWl6GnrfSaM

How CM Siddaramaiah Responded to Leadership Change Speculations

Meanwhile, a day earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah downplayed speculation of a leadership change, calling it an “unnecessary debate” and attributing the chatter to discussions about a cabinet reshuffle. He said senior party leadership would take a final call, noting that out of 34 ministerial posts, two remain vacant and would be filled during the reshuffle.When asked if he would continue as CM for five years, Siddaramaiah reiterated, “This is an unnecessary debate. Only after it was said that the cabinet can be reshuffled after two and a half years, the issue of changing the Chief Minister has come to the fore. The party leaders need to take a decision on the cabinet reshuffle. There are a total of 34 ministerial posts, out of which two posts are vacant. These vacant ministerial positions will be filled during the cabinet reshuffle.”During his visit to Chamarajanagar, Siddaramaiah asserted that his position was “secure” and that sincere efforts were being made to fulfill promises made to the people.Interestingly, there is a long-standing myth in Karnataka politics that any serving Chief Minister who visits Chamarajanagar will inevitably lose their post within a short period.With inputs from ANI