In the midst of speculations regarding the top leadership change in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar lit the fire by implying that one has always got to grab opportunities at hand.
"We continue to fight for the chair. You (lawyers) sitting over there, protesting that you don't want any chair. Come and sit here. It is hard to get the chair. Learn to sit on it as soon as you acquire it. It appears as if you all are making sacrifices. Such nice chairs are available here — opportunities do not come by often. Use it when you get it," Shivakumar judged during the Kempegowda Jayanti event organised by the Bengaluru Advocates Association.
Shivakumar's comment regarding holding onto chairs drew giggles from the crowd. But the sotto voce remark— uttered in the midst of a fierce battle with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah — has fuelled fresh speculation about the leadership of Karnataka.
On Thursday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ruled out the speculation about his being replaced after meeting with Congress national general secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala.
Also read: Shivakumar backs CM, says no need to speak on leadership change
"Surjewala has clearly stated that there is no change in the leadership. The question of leadership is not the priority now. When everything is clear, there is no point of speculation. He is the Karnataka in charge, and when he has stated that there should not be any rumour. There is no word of this within the party," Siddaramaiah informed reporters in Bengaluru.
Shivakumar, too, returned from Delhi, declining further comments on it, hinting Siddaramaiah had already put to rest any ambiguity by communicating the Congress High Command's choice for Karnataka's next leadership.
Siddaramaiah, who was accompanied by his deputy Shivakumar, said reporters, "We are on good terms with each other, regardless of what anyone says."
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