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Bengaluru, Nov 1 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday commented on the leadership row and possible power sharing, saying with unity between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Congress is set to win 136 assembly constituencies in the state in the 2023 elections.
Shivakumar’s statement came when he spoke to media persons after paying floral tributes to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari near Vidhana Soudha and taking the salute at the parade at the Kannada Rajyotsava function organized for school students at the Kanteerava Stadium here.
Asked about the ‘November Revolution’ and a possible leadership change, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, said: “Only what the Chief Minister and I have talked about matters; anyone else’s words have no significance.”
Asked if there was unity among them, he said, “It is because of our unity that we won 135 constituencies, later it increased to 136 and now our strength has increased to 140.” His reference was towards independent MLAs joining Congress.
Asked if a situation would arise in the future where he would hoist the Rajyotsava flag, he replied: “What do you think I just did in the stadium?”
Talking about the opposition to the Bengaluru tunnel project, Shivakumar said: “I am ready to form a committee on the Tunnel Road project under the leadership of opposition leader R. Ashoka. The entry and exit points near Lalbagh will be developed at the location suggested by him.”
“There is no need for Ashok to protest. He is from Bengaluru and has been elected here seven to eight times. He also has a responsibility. The committee formed under his leadership can give suggestions and directions to the government. He should also monitor the tunnel road project. Whoever names Ashwath Narayan or anyone else to the committee will also be included. We all must work together – and we will.”
“On Friday night, I personally visited Lalbagh area to inspect the possible entry points of the tunnel road. I am considering alternative routes. There is no need for any concern.”
When asked about police officers taking selfies with Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi (MES) members observing Black Day on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava in Belagavi and providing security to their protest, Shivakumar said, “We will work towards bringing change among MES members. In Karnataka, they are acting as a group or organisation, but they are also Kannadigas.”
“He has also entered the Karnataka Assembly. If anyone wants to live in Karnataka, he has to identify as a Kannadiga. Every person living in Karnataka should learn and speak Kannada. People living in this land should contribute to the development of the Kannada language. As far as other related matters are concerned, the Home Minister will have more information and will provide the details.”
–IANS
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