‘High Command to call CM and me at appropriate time’: Dy.CM D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister (Dy.CM) D K Shivakumar on Saturday said that the Congress High Command has conveyed that it would call both Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah and him to Delhi at an appropriate time to discuss power-sharing arrangements, putting to rest speculation about secret or unilateral meetings.

Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar made it clear that he would not travel to Delhi without official intimation from the party leadership. “I won’t go to Delhi in secret. The Chief Minister and I will go together when the High Command calls us. We will inform the media if we are travelling,” he said, responding to queries on whether the two leaders would meet the party high command soon.

Referring to the ongoing protests by the Congress over alleged misuse of central agencies, Dy.CM said the Enforcement Directorate’s charge sheet in the National Herald case had been quashed, with only one FIR pending. “We are protesting to tell the world how we are being harassed,” he added.

Delhi visit on Tuesday

The Dy.CM confirmed that he would travel to Delhi on Tuesday in connection with an official meeting. “I am going to Delhi to attend a meeting called by the Union Jal Shakti Minister on the river-linking project. I will also respond to the Delhi Police notice during the visit,” he said.

Shivakumar said he would use the opportunity to raise several key irrigation and infrastructure projects concerning Karnataka. These include the Mahadayi, Upper Krishna, Mekedatu and Upper Bhadra projects. He added that he had sought appointments with the Union Environment Minister and the Union Urban Development Minister to discuss pending clearances and projects vital to the State.

“I am meeting all of them to protect the State’s interests. I had also planned to meet Karnataka MPs, and if time permits, I will meet the Prime Minister along with them,” he said.

On Naga Sadhus’ visit

Responding to questions about Naga Sadhus visiting his residence and blessing him, Shivakumar said such gestures were natural in public life. “They came home and blessed me. We can’t say no to people who come home. In politics, it is natural for sages, saints, seers and elders to bless us,” he said.