DK Shivakumar's residence at Sadashiv Nagar was bustling with activity, with many Congress members waiting to garland him. Sitting in the waiting room next to the Congress leader’s office were a few MLAs, including H Nagesh, the independent MLA from the Mulbagal constituency.
Speaking to TNM, DK Shivakumar rubbished rumours that he is unhappy with the Congress. "I was part of the decision to form a coalition with the JD(S). To keep the BJP out of power, we decided this coalition was needed," he said.
I am going all out to bring in MLAs, including the independent MLAs. I was out for a few hours and all this happened. Congress party will give me what I want. I have built this party for the past many years. I have won with a margin of more than 8,000 votes. How can I disrespect my party?DK Shivakumar
DK Shivakumar, who has been busy from the afternoon speaking to MLAs, said that the Congress will hold a meeting on Wednesday, 16 May morning, and then a call will be taken.
He also agreed that he was aware of the BJP's efforts to poach MLAs. "They are trying. If the BJP plays dirty politics, so will Congress."
Though DK Shivakumar vehemently denied that he was unhappy with the Congress, the fact that he said, ‘Congress will give me what I want’, was indicative of his state of mind.
A source close to DK Shivakumar told TNM that he was unhappy that the Congress did not make him the state President.
"He has clearly told the Congress and JD(S) the he wants to be made Deputy Chief Minister. They will agree," the source said.
When asked why the coalition would agree to a Vokkaliga CM and Deputy CM, the source said, "Why should they have a problem? We got the Vokkaliga votes for Congress, they will oblige to his demands," the source said.
And what if the Congress does not agree? "We will answer the question when it comes to that," came the reply.
(The story has been published in an arrangement with The News Minute)
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