'Siddu will continue': DKS rules out any 'political turn'

NT Correspondent

Chikkamagaluru: The people of Karnataka have blessed the Congress for five years and he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will continue functioning as per the directions of the party high command, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Saturday, while seeking to downplay reports of power tussle within the ruling party. With supporters hailing him as the 'next Chief Minister' on his arrival here, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President, said he does not need anyone's support and will abide by what the party tells him. "No one should worry; there is no need for any political turn. People have blessed us and given us an opportunity, and we will continue for five years.

All the talks going on are without any value. The Chief Minister and I will continue functioning as per the directions of the party," Shivakumar told reporters in response to a question. Asked about workers or supporters demanding that he should be the next CM, Shivakumar said, "I don't want anyone to demand anything from me; I don't want anyone's support. I do not need any legislator's backing. This is between me and the Congress party. Whatever the Congress party says, I will function accordingly. I don't want workers or legislators to shout for me or stand in my support. I will do my duty." "I believe in the saying: 'Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana'—make your efforts, and leave the results to God," he added His comments came a day after his cabinet colleague K N Rajanna, who is close to Siddaramaiah, suggested that Shivakumar should aim to become Chief Minister by successfully leading the party in the next elections, rather than aspiring for the top post during the remaining two and a half years of the incumbent government.