Bengaluru, April 29 (IANS) Responding to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s statement highlighting his role in the Congress’ success, State Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil said on Wednesday that the party’s victory in the 2023 Assembly elections, where it secured 136 seats, was the result of collective efforts, including the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the organisational strength of the Deputy Chief Minister.

Minister Patil is a staunch supporter of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and is also a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post hailing from the Lingayat community.

The Minister said the state government came to power due to a combination of factors.

“It is Siddaramaiah’s leadership, Shivakumar’s organisational skills, and the efforts of leaders like Satish Jarkiholi and K.H. Muniyappa. The party workers at the booth level have also worked extensively,” he added.

He said that D.K. Shivakumar, as the Karnataka Pradesh Committee Congress (KPCC) President, had played a key role in strengthening the party structure.

On the issue of Ministers visiting New Delhi amid the ongoing political discussions, Minister Patil added that he was going to Vijayapura and would meet the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge when he visits Karnataka.

He said that all senior Congress leaders, including Jarkiholi, had the authority to discuss matters with the party high command.

“Leadership issues are discussed regularly, but there is no confusion in the party. The Congress high command will take a final decision, and we will abide by it,” Minister Patil added.

Referring to reports of some state Congress MLAs setting timelines on leadership matters, Patil said the party high command would take note of such developments, adding, “I am not a person of that stature to set deadlines.”

He reiterated that the Congress’ success was due to coordinated efforts at all levels, including leaders, workers, and booth agents in Karnataka.

On demands for a Dalit Chief Minister in Karnataka, Minister Patil said the Congress high command would respond appropriately.

“The Lingayat community may also place its demands, but ultimately the high command will decide,” he added.

Patil noted that the Lingayat community had largely supported the Congress in the recent elections.

“After Veerendra Patil, this is the time the community has stood with the Congress. We have won 35 seats,” he said, adding that all factors would be considered by the party leadership before any decision is made.

On reports that Minister Satish Jarkiholi has staked a claim for the KPCC President’s post, Patil said Jarkiholi had the capability and was a good organiser.

“The Congress high command is aware of everything. I will convey my views to them, but I will not speak about it publicly,” he added.

The Minister also warned of a potentially severe drought this year and stressed the need for preparedness.

He said that water must be conserved in reservoirs at least until the end of July, with priority given to drinking water.

“Water for irrigation should be released only after ensuring drinking water needs are met. I have already held a meeting in Vijayapura district. This year, we must conserve more water,” he added.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar had asserted earlier that the 136 Congress MLAs in the state won under his leadership, emphasising his role as the KPCC President during the election.

Amid leadership change speculation in February this year, Shivakumar said that all 136 MLAs support him, rejecting reports that only a section backed him.

–IANS

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