Shivakumar warns Cong members against leadership change talk

DCM intervenes as some of his loyalists up the ante in his support

- NT Correspondent

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday took strong exception to party members discussing leadership change in the state, saying such statements are “damaging the party”.

Congress MLA H D Ranganath, who is Shivakumar's relative, and former Mandya MP L R Shivarame Gowda on Wednesday renewed the debate by claiming that Shivakumar will become the next CM of the state.

Gowda also said that it will happen in November.

“No one is permitted to speak on power sharing, including Kunigal MLA H D Ranganath. I have asked Congress state working president G C Chandrashekhar to issue notice,” Shivakumar told reporters here.

He underlined that the matter is now closed after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's assertion that he would complete his full five-year term and both leaders would abide by the high command's decision.

Siddaramaiah had on Wednesday said he would complete full five-year term and that he would toe the party line.