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Bengaluru, Nov 23 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar on Saturday rejected Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s claim that “explosive political developments” are imminent in the state and said there is no truth in such claims.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar was asked about Kumaraswamy’s remarks hinting at the possible collapse of the Congress-led government. He responded by saying that the JD-S leader was only “daydreaming” and refused to say anything more.
Responding to another question on whether the Congress was planning to stake claim to the post of Chairman in the Legislative Council, Shivakumar said the party has enough strength in the Upper House.
He said, “Of course we have the numbers. We have information that our strength is more in the council. We will clarify the situation; they do not have enough numbers. There is a demand from our party’s MLC. They have met me and said that they want Congress members to hold the post of president and vice-president of the council. We will take a decision by the next assembly session.”
Currently, senior BJP leader Basavaraj Horatti is the Speaker of the Legislative Council.
Kumaraswamy’s comments come amid growing speculation over internal differences within the ruling Congress. Earlier addressing JD(S) workers at the party’s silver jubilee celebrations in Bengaluru, the Union minister hinted that there may soon be “unforeseen and unpredictable” developments in Karnataka’s political scenario.
He had said that the evolving political situation has reached a level where “nobody can predict who will take what stand” and suggested that Karnataka could see “political turmoil within a few months”.
The Union minister also urged party workers to stay connected with the people and claimed that citizens are frustrated with bad governance, rising taxes and inflation.
He said, “Give our party a chance. I will prove in just five years what good governance really is and what we can do for the people. If I fail to give a government that can win the approval of the people, I will never seek your support again.”
Kumaraswamy also criticized the financial condition of the state and alleged that Karnataka’s debt has crossed Rs 7.50 lakh crore. He claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alone had taken a loan of Rs 5 to 5.50 lakh crore during his tenure and demanded clarity on how such a huge amount was utilised.
–IANS
MKA/PGH