Bengaluru, Jan 19 (IANS) Amid the leadership tussle and strong rumours of a change in leadership in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has said that time will answer everything.

He added: “The Chief Minister and I know about the discussions and decisions taken in the presence of Rahul Gandhi and the national leadership.”

Speaking to the media after returning from Delhi on Monday, Shivakumar, when asked about his Delhi visit and meetings with the party’s national leadership, said, “The media projects it as if I visit Delhi for political reasons and to destabilise the government. Reports are also being circulated that Rahul Gandhi and other national leaders refused to meet me. At the same time, the media has also shown photographs of me with Rahul Gandhi and other leaders.”

“I am keeping quiet, thinking that I should not raise these issues. One thing is certain — time will answer everything. Beyond this, I will not discuss anything,” he said.

When asked about his brother, former Congress MP D.K. Suresh, stating that they would receive good news from the high command, Shivakumar said, “My brother, party workers and even the media are saying that I will get good news. I have the support of 140 MLAs. Even Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is supporting me. Do you know how the Chief Minister and I speak to each other? We know what we discussed in front of Rahul Gandhi. We also know the decisions taken in the presence of the national leadership.”

“I can’t discuss all this in front of the media or in public,” Shivakumar asked.

“I will not discuss it. There is a time for everything, and that time will answer all questions,” he stressed.

When asked whether he would receive good news in April, Shivakumar said, “Let us see. Why talk about it now?”

Reacting to purported videos showing jailed actress Ranya Rao’s stepfather, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, allegedly indulging in objectionable acts with a woman in his office, Shivakumar said he was not aware of the matter. He added that the media could seek clarification from the Home Minister.

Shivakumar’s remarks on the leadership issue are likely to stir fresh controversy in political circles in the state as well as within the ruling Congress party.

It may be noted that CM Siddaramaiah had earlier claimed that there is no pact between him and Deputy CM Shivakumar. He went on to proclaim that he will be the CM for the full term, but later maintained that he will abide by the decision of the high command. Shivakumar is a strong contender for the post of the CM.

–IANS

mka/pgh