Why Should I Be upset? There Is A Long Way To Go, Says DK Shivakumar

Congress leader DK Shivakumar, who was announced to be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, on Thursday expressed his optimism and emphasized the need to fulfill the promises made after the party's significant victory in the recent assembly elections. He stated that there was nothing to be upset about and that there is a long way to go in their journey.

Shivakumar said, "Why should I be upset? There is a long way to go," when asked if he is happy on being named the Deputy CM. He further mentioned that everything is well within the party, and the Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have emphasized the importance of working together.

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar was felicitated by Srinivas BV, the National President of the Indian Youth Congress. The Congress General Secretary, in a press conference held in the national capital, announced that Siddaramaiah would be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, with DK Shivakumar as his sole deputy. Shivakumar will also continue as the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee until the Lok Sabha polls.

Crediting the Congress party's victory to the people of Karnataka, the Congress General Secretary thanked the voters and acknowledged the hard work put in by leaders like Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and the Chief Ministers who campaigned extensively.

The Congress party recognised Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar as dynamic leaders and assets to the party. The General Secretary stated that both leaders deserved to become Chief Ministers, given their contributions. He further mentioned that Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra laid the foundation for the party's campaign in the state.

A meeting of the Congress legislature party is scheduled to be held in the evening to formally elect Siddaramaiah as the legislature party leader. Preparations are underway for the swearing-in ceremony, which is expected to take place on May 20 at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Leaders from opposition parties are expected to attend the ceremony.

The Congress party held several meetings over the past four days to finalize the leadership roles, considering various options before reaching a decision.