Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar meets Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in Bengaluru (PTI)
NEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in Bengaluru amid speculation over the state leadership issue. Speaking to reporters later, Shivakumar clarified that the discussion was, however, not political and he only discussed with Kharge the law enacted by the center replacing the MGNREGA ahead of the Congress Working Committee meeting on December 27.“There is no need to do it, I will not do it, there is no such thing for now. Siddaramaiah and I have said that we will work abiding by the high command’s decision, and we are committed to it,” said Shivakumar.On remaining a party worker, Shivakumar said, “I’m a lifetime worker of the party. Whatever the post may be, I’m a worker of the party. I have tied the party flag, both as a party worker and President. I have pasted party posters, and I have done the sweeping work. I have done all things for the Congress party. I have not come just to sit and make speeches on the stage. I have done all the work for the party,” as quoted by PTI.When asked if he expects a reward for his work, he replied, “I won’t answer such things.”The leadership issue in Karnataka intensified after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. Kharge had recently stated that confusion over the leadership exists only at the local level and urged local leaders to take ownership of disputes rather than blaming the high command. Earlier, Siddaramaiah asserted in the Assembly that he would continue in office and that the high command supported him. Reacting to this, Shivakumar said, “We have come to an agreement with the involvement of the Congress high command, and both of us will abide by it.”When asked if he will be going to Delhi, the deputy CM said, “If I’m called, I will go. I have not been called so far.” On whether Siddaramaiah will attend the Congress Working Committee meeting, he added, “Maybe. I’m aware that three CMs (from Congress-ruled states) have been invited. Deputy CMs have not been called. State Congress Presidents are only called for the extended working committee meeting.”Shivakumar also criticised the new law replacing MGNREGA, calling it detrimental to the poor, labourers, and farmers. “The new law makes for 40 per cent contribution for the scheme from the states, no state can afford, even the BJP states can’t implement it. We have to fight, we are planning. As the state Congress president, I will plan a big movement on this. All panchayat members and MGNREGA workers should come together and ensure that the MGNREGA is restored and protect rural development,” he said. Go to Source
