Don't want to force anyone: DK Shivakumar amid rumblings over Karnataka top post

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed speculation about a possible change of guard in the state after March. The development comes against the backdrop of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recent dinner with select Dalit and ST Cabinet colleagues.

In Short

• Shivakumar says he will work in line with party leadership's directives
• Temple visits for prayers, not political motives, says Shivakumar
• Hints at no tussle with Siddaramaiah for top post

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday asserted that he was not seeking anyone's support and would work in line with the Congress leadership's directives amidst speculation about a possible change of guard in the state after March.

The development comes against the backdrop of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recent dinner with select Dalit and ST Cabinet colleagues that created a buzz within the party over Karnataka's top post.

"As per the Sanskrit saying 'Karmanye Vaadikaarasthe...', I put in the effort and leave the results to God. I don't want anyone's support, and I will do what the party wants me to do," he said, speaking to reporters at the Sringeri helipad.

Shivakumar, who is also the president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), said that he doesn't want to force anyone to take his name for the top post.

Asked about the demand by party workers that he should become the next Chief Minister, he said, "I don't want to force anyone, nor do I need anyone's support. I don't want any MLA to shout out his support for me. It is between the Congress party and me. I will do whatever the party wants me to do. I am just doing my duty."

On his recent spate of temple visits, he said, "I am a believer in Dharma. I offer prayers every day. I pray for the welfare of the state, my well-wishers, and myself. If praying is dubbed as a temple run, all the temples must be closed."

'SIDDARAMAIAH AND I WORK AS PER PARTY'S INSTRUCTIONS'

The Congress veteran, known to be a troubleshooter within the party, said not much should be read into his visit to Sringeri. He said he came here to mark 50 years of Sri Bharathi Theertha Swamy taking over responsibility at the mutt.

When pointed out that there have been significant turns in his political career whenever he visited Sringeri, Shivakumar said, "One need not read too much into it. I don't need any turns in my life. The people have blessed me and given me an opportunity. We will govern the state for five years. The Chief Minister and I will work as per the party's instructions. What others say does not matter."

Earlier this week, minister KN Rajanna also took a dig at Shivakumar, saying that he should become the Chief Minister by successfully leading the party in the next elections, rather than aspiring for the top post in the incumbent government.