• Source:JND
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Karnataka:  Firebrand Congress leader and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that the party came to power in the state under his leadership. The statement refreshed the debate around the rift between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Currently serving as the president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), Shivakumar also lashed out at the party workers for not reaching the grassroots in the state.

Shivakumar's statement came as he was being felicitated by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

"In my four-year term as the President of Karnataka Congress, it is significant that the party came to power under my leadership," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Shivakumar added that although he is currently the President of the KPCC, he is uncertain how long he will remain in this position.

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Criticizing party workers for not working at the grassroots level, he said that those who are unable to garner votes for the party should not seek any position.

"First, organise the party at booth level. Ensure a lead at the booth level, and then ask for leadership roles. Otherwise, you won't get the opportunity. Simply wearing white clothes and getting out of white cars does not qualify one for any position. Organise or vacate. New leadership will be groomed if you fail," Shivakumar told party workers during the function.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was enraged during the oath-taking ceremony on Anti-Terrorism Day, commemorating the 33rd death anniversary of former PM Rajiv Gandhi at Vidhana Soudha, after being asked to wait for Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar.

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The Chief Minister arrived on time, but Shivakumar was late. Siddaramaiah instructed Chief Secretary Rajneesh Goyal to begin the program and allow Shivakumar to join later.

The Chief Minister lost his cool when his Personal Secretary Venkateshaiah also informed him of the delay. Siddaramaiah insisted that the program start, with Shivakumar joining later.