Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Aug 10: In spite of the fact that there was income tax raid recently on various properties owned by him and his relatives and friends, Karnataka energy minister, D K Shivakumar, has risen in stature within Congress party. Political analysts claim that as compared to Shivakumar's emergence as a trusted lieutenant of Congress command, the image of chief minister, Siddaramaiah, has been adversely hit.

Speaking on Wednesday August 9, Shivakumar said that he has not been expecting to be rewarded with home ministry for being instrumental in carving out victory for Congress candidate in the Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat. "I just want to work efficiently in my department. My desire is to provide uninterrupted power to the people and farmers. During my tenure, I wish that Karnataka will not face power shortage. As far as position in politics is concerned, time alone will decide," he stated.

It is learnt that All India Congress Committee president, Sonia Gandhi, called up Shivakumar and thanked him for being instrumental in the victory of Ahmed Patel in Gujarat election. Party sources said that she profusely appreciated Shivakumar's role in discharging responsibility of hosting Gujarat MLAs and ensuring that they stayed united. "You had to face an ordeal for having extended support to the party leadership. The party leadership will keep in mind your contribution ever," she reportedly told him.

Shivakumar however, refused to take credit for the victory of Ahmed Patel. He said he had discharged the responsibility entrusted to him. "Everyone knows how BJP tried its best to defeat Congress Rajya Sabha candidate in Gujarat. BJP's dream of defeating Patel was shattered finally," he said. He added that he had just followed party instruction in entertaining Gujarat MLAs here.