Karnataka: Deputy Chief Miniset DK Shivakumar on Saturday asserted that he gave up the race to become Karnataka CM following the advice of Congress top brass including Gandis and party's national president Mallikarjun Kharge. He further said that he had to remain "patient". This remark of Shivakumar came after he visited his constituency after becoming the deputy chief minister. There, he asked his voters to wait with patience and their desire (to see Shivakumar as CM) will never be false.
"I had to bow my head to the words"
"You gave me votes in large numbers to make me the chief minister, but what to do, a decision was made. Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge gave me an advice. I had to bow my head to the words of the elders -- I have to remain with patience," Shivakumar said.
"Let's be patient"
Addressing a gathering here, he said, "But I just want to tell you that your desire (to see me as CM) will never be false. Let's be patient."
Last month, after Congress marked a historic victory in Karnataka, several rounds of hectic parleys within the party circles in New Delhi had preceded government formation in the state. Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar were in stiff competition with each other to become Karnataka's CM. Later, Siddaramaiah was declared the chief minister, and state Congress president DK Shivakumar was assigned to the Deputy CM position.
Congress won the Assembly election by securing 135 out of total 224 seats in the Assembly. Thanking people for the welcome and the affection shown towards him, Shivakumar said, "I have come here to thank you and to take your blessings." He also asked his followers and party workers to prepare for the zilla and taluk panchayat polls, in the days ahead.
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