CM Siddaramaiah lifts Dy.CM Shivakumar’s hands to signal that all is well in party affairs

Mysore/Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that he shares a cordial relationship with his Deputy D.K. Shivakumar and made it clear that the Congress-led State Government will complete its full five-year term. “There is no need for any gossip or doubt,” he said.

He was addressing media after arriving at the Mysore Airport this morning on a special flight from Bengaluru along with Deputy CM Shivakumar and Mysuru District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa to offer bagina at KRS Dam.

For the media cameras, Siddaramaiah publicly demonstrated his camaraderie with Shivakumar by raising his hand — an apparent message to those attempting to sow discord between the two.

Hitting out at critics, the CM said, “Those trying to drive a wedge between me and Shivakumar will not succeed.”

Responding to BJP leader B. Sriramulu’s frequent remarks about Congress leaders, he said, “Ask him how many elections he has lost. BJP leaders are known for making false claims and creating unnecessary noise over every issue.”

Reiterating his leadership role, Siddaramaiah confirmed, “I will be inaugurating this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations. Even the journalists know this.”

Commenting on the meeting of AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala with Congress MLAs in Bengaluru today, the CM downplayed its significance saying,  “It’s a routine meeting.”

On the spate of heart attack-related deaths reported in Hassan over the past two months, Siddaramaiah said,  “We are consulting health experts to understand the causes and will take all necessary preventive measures.”

Reacting to reports that the Maharashtra Government is sticking to the two-language policy in education, he said, “Karnataka has always advocated the two-language formula and our Government is committed to providing education in line with that policy.”