D.K. Shivakumar says he works as per party’s wishes and doesn’t want any MLA to raise voice in his support

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar speaking at a programme at Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said he will not expect any MLA to raise his or her voice in his support and that he will work as per the Congress party’s instructions.

Speaking to presspersons at Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district on Saturday, he said, “I don’t want anybody’s support. I work as per the party’s wishes.” Reciting a shloka from the Bhagavad Gita, he said he would just work and not worry about the reward.

Asked about the demand of some party workers that he should become the next Chief Minister, he said, “I do not want anyone putting pressure on my behalf. I do not want anyone’s support. I don’t want any MLA to shout out his support for me. It is between the Congress party and me. I will do whatever the party wants me to do. I am just doing my duty.”

He said, “The people have blessed me and given me an opportunity. We will govern the State for five years. The Chief Minister and I will work as per the party’s instructions. What others say does not matter.”

Further, on his recent temple visits, Mr. Shivakumar said he is a believer and would pray to God every day. “I pray for the welfare of the State, my well-wishers, and myself,” he said, dismissing those who were ridiculing his “temple run”.

Mr. Shivakumar was in Sringeri to participate in the Suvarna Bharati programme, organised to commemorate the 50th year of Bharati Tirtha’s initiation to monkhood.