New Delhi, February 12 Amid speculation about a leadership change in the Congress-led Karnataka government, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Thursday that the matter was not discussed with the party's top brass during his visit to Delhi, but added that "patience will also pay".
Speaking to reporters after meeting senior party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Shivakumar reiterated that the party's central leadership will take a decision at an appropriate time in the interest of the state.
"We are not discussing anything on this. The party's success story is very important.
"In the interest of the party, the party leadership – Rahulji and Khargeji, and all our senior leaders are there. They will take a decision whenever they feel it is appropriate for the benefit of Karnataka," he told reporters, when asked if any clarity was received from the high command on the leadership change in the state.
Asked if he was told to be patient, Shivakumar responded, "Patience will also pay."
The development comes as the Siddaramaiah government is set to complete 1,000 days in office on Friday. The state government will celebrate the milestone by announcing one more guarantee to the people — the Bhoomi guarantee, which will provide 'pakka khata' from the revenue department to those who have built houses.
Shivakumar denied that there was any power struggle between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. "It (power struggle) is within the BJP," he added.
On reports that some legislators are embarking on a foreign tour from February 16 to March 3, supposedly to delay power-sharing between the chief minister and his deputy, Shivakumar said he was unaware of such a development.
"I am not aware of it. I have only seen it in newspapers," he said.
The deputy chief minister declined to share the outcome of the meeting with key party leaders. "Politics was discussed, but that will not be discussed before the media. We are political leaders and, obviously, discussions take place," he said.
He did not respond when asked if there would be a change in leadership by the completion of 2,000 days in office.