Siddaramaiah must rein MLAs talking of chief minister change, says Shivakumar

Bengaluru: A day after social welfare minister HC Mahadevappa publicly said he would like to see a Dalit as chief minister, deputy chief minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar distanced himself from the remark, saying it was up to chief minister Siddaramaiah to rein in ministers and MLAs. Asked about what he had called "out of turn statements" by party colleagues, Shivakumar said, "It is the CM who must control ministers. It is also his prerogative to keep a check on MLAs speaking about it. I've been doing whatever I can and in my capacity as KPCC president, I have been reporting it to the party high command."
On Mahadevappa's specific remarks, Shivakumar struck a sarcastic note. "He may be aware that the high command is considering a change in CM. Considering he is also part of the high command in Delhi, he must have demanded a Dalit CM. I have not received any indication of a change of CM," he said. He also denied being summoned to Delhi to discuss the issue, saying, "I have not received any call. My visit to Delhi concerns matters related to my department." On discussions with PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi, Shivakumar said, "We exchanged notes and prepared a roadmap to ensure Congress remains in office after 2028. Our thoughts are aligned and in tune with needs of the party." Backing first-time MLAs seeking cabinet berths, he said, "How long can the old guard remain ministers? There needs to be a new wave of leadership and fresh thinking. Ultimately, it is a decision of the high command and the CM. We are like-minded individuals, and he is deeply concerned about the party. We are preparing plans to bring our govt back to the helm." On reports of MLAs seeking cabinet posts, Shivakumar said, "Everyone has aspirations… A new generation must grow. How long can we hog these positions? I have been a minister for 36 years." Shivakumar said the govt will spend Rs 5,065 crore to repair roads in Bengaluru and claimed 75% of work has been completed, with projects to be finished by April-end. He said 10 lakh e-khata documents would be distributed, and 30,000 street vendors supported.