BENGALURU: “Making a group is not in my blood. All 140 MLAs are my MLAs,” Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said on Friday, responding to questions on the growing political activity within the party amid speculation over the chief minister’s chair and a possible cabinet reshuffle. “CM decided that he will reshuffle the Govt, the cabinet. So, all of them are interested in becoming ministers. It is natural that they will go and meet the leaders in Delhi. Apart from that, what can I say? They have every right. I have not taken anyone. Some of them went and met Kharge sahab,” Shivakumar said.
“They met the CM also. What is wrong? It is their life. No one has called them, they are voluntarily going and showing their faces. They wanted to show their presence that they are in the forefront, can work and they want responsibility,” Shivakumar added further. He further clarified the eligibility of MLAs for ministerial positions, “All 140 MLAs are eligible to become ministers, CM. They can become everything. CM has said that he will complete 5 years. I wish him all the best. We will all work with him.”On state MLAs meeting party chief Mallikarjun Kharge amid CM speculation, Shivakumar said, “I am not aware of dinner. Dinner has been going on. They wanted to make a new PCC president, 4-5 Deputy CMs. All meetings have been going on for the last 2.5 years. This is nothing new. Let them have more meetings.” Speaking separately, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah emphasised that cabinet reshuffles are the prerogative of the party high command. “The high command does all the cabinet reshuffle. Did he say anything? Neither I nor anyone should hear what the high command said. DK Shivakumar, I and everyone has to listen to what the high command says… I will present the next budget myself, I will continue all the way, I will meet Mallikarjun Kharge tomorrow.” Shivakumar, who hinted earlier this week that he may step down as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, reassured party workers that he will remain part of the party’s senior leadership and continue to guide organisational work.
