Prayers Persist, Says DKS on CM Ambition

Mysuru: Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar sought blessings at Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hills and later said that while “efforts may fail, but not prayers”, signalling his ambition for the state’s top post remains undimmed despite Siddaramaiah reaffirming that he would stay chief minister for a full five-year term.Joined by family on Ashada Friday, widely considered auspicious, Shivakumar offered puja to the deity and underlined his faith in divine intervention. “I prayed to the Goddess for what I want,” he told reporters, but refused to discuss his long-rumoured chief ministerial ambitions.“I don’t want to discuss anything now. I have not come here to speak about politics. I want good for the state. Mallikarjun Kharge is Congress president; he has given us a message and advice.

Abiding by his words, let’s all work together,” Shivakumar said, stressing the importance of party unity.

Shivakumar’s remarks follow Siddaramaiah’s declaration earlier this week that he will serve a full five-year term as CM — remarks which Shivakumar endorsed —effectively shelving any mid-term rotation plan.Asked if he had relinquished his dream of becoming CM, Shivakumar reiterated his reliance on prayer: “Even if attempts fail, prayers to the goddess never fail.”

Echoing this tone of solidarity, agriculture minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, who also performed puja at the hilltop temple, said, “No weapon against the unity of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will succeed. They cannot be divided by any conspiracy and their unity will remain for five years.”Cheluvarayaswamy briefly turned to Centre-state relations, urging Union minister HD Kumaraswamy to partner with cabinet colleague Pralhad Joshi to secure outstanding tax dues for Karnataka.

“MPs have access to a Rs 5 crore annual fund — far exceeding Kumaraswamy’s recently announced Rs 30 lakh grant for an auto stand,” he said, while appealing for bigger central assistance.Earlier this week, Shivakumar’s brother and former Bangalore Rural MP, DK Suresh said there is still “hope” his brother would become CM. He said that while the CM’s post is not vacant now, “hope still exists and will remain tomorrow too” that Shivakumar would be CM.