CM’s chair will not be used to hurt anyone, says D. K. Shivakumar

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said he would not use his office to make enemies or hurt anyone, and asserted that he would work with leaders of all political parties in the interest of Karnataka.

Congratulating newly elected Deputy Speaker Mankal Vaidya in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Mr. Shivakumar said he represents all legislators, and not merely Congress MLAs.

“In power, you can either make friends or enemies. I want to make more friends and help everyone. My position should benefit even the person at the bottom of society,” he said.

Responding to Opposition members’ demand for the release of an equal amount of funds to all MLAs, Mr. Shivakumar quoted Swami Vivekananda and said, “One should be bold-hearted in defeat and large-hearted in victory.”

Recalling his political journey from his student days, he quoted German statesman Otto von Bismarck’s observation that “politics is the art of the possible.” He said several BJP and JD(S) leaders had joined different political parties at different times to secure power and remain politically relevant.

Mr. Shivakumar said he would not use his position against anyone and would work with leaders across party lines for the development of the State. “All of us must work for the State without hatred towards anyone,” he said.

Stressing that the State government is ready to work with Union Ministers, he appreciated Union Minister S.R. Patil’s co-operation on irrigation issues, particularly those related to the sharing of Tungabhadra river water.

Outlining his vision for the next 25 years, Mr. Shivakumar said political differences should be set aside in the larger interest of Karnataka.

Mr. Shivakumar said a Cabinet meeting would be held in Mangaluru and that the government would unveil a tourism policy aimed at developing coastal tourism.

Mr. Shivakumar informed the Assembly that he would travel to Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu to attend the Southern States Chief Ministers’ Conference on August 20, which will be chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

On the sidelines of the conference, he is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, with the Cauvery water-sharing issue likely to figure prominently in the discussions.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.