DKS Denies Leadership Change in K'taka, Asks Party Leaders Not to Speak to Media

Says no plans to replace CM, urges focus on strengthening govt

- TDG NETWORK

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said there is no discussion on leadership change and stressed on strengthening the hands of CM Siddaramaiah and the party's government in the state.

Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President, asked party leaders and legislators not to speak to the press on the leadership change issue.

He said a notice will be issued to Ramanagara MLA H A Iqbal Hussain, who has been making statements that Shivakumar should become the CM.

Speculation over leadership change has resurfaced with some party MLAs, including Hussain and H C Balakrishna (Magadi) making claims about Shivakumar becoming the CM later this year. Both of them are considered close to Shivakumar.

"Statements are being made. We want discipline in the party. Discipline is important. No issue of leadership change. There is no discussion or anything on this. No one is in a hurry, 2028 is important for us," Shivakumar told reporters here.