From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, May 14: In an appreciative gesture, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday felicitated the first rank winner Ankita Basappa Konnur of Bagalkot, who had studied in a government high school, with a shawl and cheque for Rs 5 lakh.

Shivakumar also felicitated Navaneeth of Mandya, who secured the second rank, with a cheque for Rs 2 lakh.

Speaking to media persons at his residence after felicitating the two SSLC rank winners, the Deputy Chief Minister said he was very confident of the formation of a INDIA block government in Delhi as the political situation was very positive.

Responding to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s claims that the Congress government in Karnataka will be pulled down through Operation Kamala after the election results, Shivakumar said the Shinde’s government, which was formed by engineering splits in Shiv Sena and NCP, is itself in “doldrums” and was “likely to collapse.”

“Everything will be reversed,” he said asking Shinde to first ensure the stability of his own government.

Shivakumar said he would not like to talk about the Hassan sex scandal and the reported video claims of the woman, who was allegedly kidnapped by JDS leader H D Revanna and later rescued by the SIT, that she was not kidnapped at all and pointed out that SIT will reply to all such claims.

“I am not aware of the developments,” he said and pointed out that his name was being dragged because then the persons will get media mileage.’

Answering questions on BJP leaders R Ashok and Dr C N Ashwath Narayan claiming that he (Shivakumar) was behind the incident, he replied: “I will give a reply in due course to all such statements.”

Shivakumar again requested all his supporters and well-wishers not to celebrate his birthday on Wednesday as he will be going out of station to campaign for the party.