Bengaluru, May 31 (IANS) Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and Karnataka Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said party workers across the state were celebrating his elevation and dedicated the post of Chief Minister to them.

“It is not I who is becoming the Chief Minister; it is the party workers who are becoming the Chief Minister,” Shivakumar said while interacting with media persons near Kumarakrupa Guest House in Bengaluru.

Responding to a question on celebrations by Congress workers, Shivakumar said: “I am a loyal worker of the party. It is not I who is becoming the Chief Minister; it is the party workers who are becoming the Chief Minister. I have been working in the party since 1979 as a student leader. That is why they are celebrating.”

Asked about his visit to Delhi, he said: “Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I are both going.”

It may be noted that Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah are scheduled to leave for Delhi at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 1, from Bengaluru International Airport. Shivakumar’s return schedule has not yet been finalised.

On Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s meeting with him, Shivakumar said: “He is my colleague. I have worked with him in the party earlier and will continue to work with him in the future.”

When asked about the IPL final involving Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he said: “The match should have been held in Bengaluru. It was shifted for political reasons, and an injustice has been done to us. I do not want to speak much about it now. RCB, which became champions last time, is playing well this year too. On behalf of the people of the state, I wish them all the best.”

Shivakumar also appealed to party workers not to bring garlands made of Sugandharaja flowers during his visits.

“I am allergic to Sugandharaja flowers. Therefore, garlands made of those flowers have been prohibited during my visits. No one should bring such garlands,” he said.

He further added: “I understand the enthusiasm of the party workers. Since the oath-taking ceremony is being conducted in a simple manner, it will not be possible to accommodate a large number of people.”

Shivakumar had earlier said the party high command would decide whether ministers would take oath along with him during the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for June 3, adding that he would not comment further on the matter.

Responding to a question on the composition of the new government, Shivakumar said: “I do not know about that. The party high command will take a decision. I do not wish to comment on the matter.”

Referring to the swearing-in ceremony, Shivakumar said arrangements had been made for party leaders and office-bearers to watch the proceedings on LED screens at the Congress office, as it would not be possible to invite everyone to the venue.

“We should at least provide this opportunity to the leaders who worked and struggled for us,” he said.

When asked about plans to lay foundation stones for 100 party offices across the state, Shivakumar said the initiative would be taken up in the coming days.

“After the swearing-in ceremony on June 3, we are planning to hold the bhoomi puja for the construction of the Congress Bhavan near Race Course Road. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are yet to confirm their availability,” he said.

–IANS

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