Bidar (Karnataka) [India], November 30 : Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad on Sunday welcomed the recent development in the state's CM tussle, stating he's glad to see the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar putting aside their differences.
Lad mentioned that both leaders have addressed media queries and expressed their willingness to follow the High Command's directions, awaiting a call to Delhi to discuss future actions.
"I am very glad that CM and DCM have come together... They have clarified everything the media wanted to know... They have said that, whatever the High Command decides or whenever the High Command calls them to Delhi, they will both go and take future actions as directed by the High Command," Lad said in Bidar.
His remarks came amid heightened political activity and speculation over tensions within the ruling Congress, especially after DK Shivakumar hinted on Sunday that state leaders may visit Delhi "if needed."
As discussions intensified over an alleged tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the top post, the Deputy Chief Minister dismissed reports of discord, remarking that the "weather in Bengaluru is beautiful," signalling no internal rift.
"Because of the weather in Bengaluru, everyone would like to come to Bengaluru. It is just like Shimla. This city has beautiful weather and culture. That is why all of them are coming to Bengaluru," he said.
"There is only one bus, and we are there. For Congressmen, going to Delhi is like going to a temple. It is quite natural. Whenever we need to, we go there," he added.
Reiterating party unity earlier today, Shivakumar said there is "no difference of opinion" between him and the Chief Minister.
"There is no difference between me and the CM. Being the party president, I know my limits. Nowhere have I made any comments or expressed a difference of opinion with the CM. We are all working together," he said.
The Deputy CM further stated that the Congress leadership in Karnataka is focused solely on preparing for the upcoming electoral battles.
"There are a lot of aspirations of the people of Karnataka, and we are committed to working for them. Our aim is 2028 and 2029, and we are working for it. The CM and I will work out a strategy. We want to call an all-party meeting on various issues," he told reporters.