Shivakumar rejects Kumaraswamy's '19 MLA' offer to become chief minister, says 'no hurry'

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ANI, Shivakumar said, "I'm not in a hurry (to become CM). I have not demanded this from anyone, not even from the party leadership." He further noted, “We contested (the state) elections under collective leadership.

We have to give good governance." Also Read: On Siddaramaiah's 'will stay Karnataka CM for 5 years', Shivakumar attacks BJP Shivakumar reiterated his loyalty to the current Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, and said that he adheres to the directives of the party's top leadership. “We are following whatever the high command has said, Siddaramaiah is our leader; even CM Siddaramaiah has said the same, this is our commitment," he added.

Shivakumar's statement comes at a time amid reports of factionalism in the ruling Congress and a tussle for the CM's post between Siddarammaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar. Earlier on Saturday, Kumaraswamy took a jibe at Shivakumar saying if he wants to ascend, he is ready and willing to assure the support of “19 JD(S) MLAs".

The JD(S) leader, said, “If Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wants to be CM, he can count on the support of our 19 MLAs." Also Read: Siddaramaiah says Karnataka farmers incurred loss of ₹30,000 crore due to drought Kumaraswamy made his statement following reports of Congress leaders in the state asserting that several JD(S) MLAs were open to switching their loyalty to the Congress party. Also Read: Why wasn't DK Shivakumar made CM of Karnataka? Furthermore, Shivakumar rejected all the claims suggesting dissatisfaction within the Karnataka Congress, asserting that it's the BJP grappling with discontent, making it difficult for them to select their leaders.