Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said it was the Prime Minister’s responsibility to rein in ministers and legislators amid constant policy statements and speculation about leadership and Cabinet expansion, while asserting that he was informing the party’s central leadership on organizational matters.
“It is the responsibility of the Prime Minister to control the ministers and party members. As party president, I report to the high command on matters related to the party,” he told reporters near his official residence.
His remarks came against the backdrop of political controversy within the ruling Congress, including statements by some leaders about a possible change in leadership and calls from certain quarters to appoint a Dalit chief minister if the post becomes vacant.
Shivakumar said the legislators’ aspirations for ministerial posts were normal and supported giving opportunities to newcomers. Referring to reports that some paralegals had written to the party leadership seeking ministerial positions for first-time legislators, he said he only learned of the letter through media reports.
“I read about the letter in newspapers, but did not receive it. Everyone has aspirations to become a minister. Narendra Modi became the prime minister without being a minister first. There is nothing wrong with ambition. I, too, became a minister when I was a minister for the first time. A new generation must grow. How long can we stay in office? I have been a minister for 36 years. A new generation and new ideas must come. The party will decide this,” he said.
He added that decisions regarding expansion of the Cabinet will be taken by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Regarding reports that he and the Prime Minister were summoned to Delhi by the party leadership, Shivakumar said that he has not received any such communication but will travel to the capital for official work related to his ministerial portfolio.
“I have not received any call. I have to visit Delhi regarding matters related to my department. Money $Crores have been allocated for urban development schemes, and there are concerns that major cities may not receive adequate support. I will discuss this with officials and ask them to prepare proposals for the development of tier II and III cities.
His comments came after a short visit to the state by Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Surjewala, who held meetings with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar before leaving for Delhi. According to a party leader aware of the developments, Surjewala met the two leaders together for about 15 minutes at Jakur airport and later had a separate hour-long discussion with Shivakumar.
Reacting to comments by Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa calling for a Dalit chief minister if the post becomes vacant, Shivakumar said he had no information about any change in leadership.
“I have seen Mahadevappa’s statement. Apart from that, there is no further discussion. Since he is also part of our top leadership, he may have information about a change in the post of chief minister. However, I do not have any information about it,” he said.
