From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 13: In an indirect dig at Congress opposition leader in assembly and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, whose 75th birthday is being celebrated in a grand manner as ‘Siddaramotsava,’ KPCC Chief DK Shivakumar on Wednesday made it clear that he does not want any Utsav but only for the country and the Congress party.

“My goal is for ensuring Congress party’s victory in the election and bring it back to power,’’ he said speaking to media persons near his residence.

However, Shivakumar said he would be participating in the Siddaramotsava as he has been invited as a guest along with former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and others.

“I am not attending any preparatory meetings on the birthday celebrations of the former Chief Minister,’’ he said.

The KPCC Chief made it clear that he has strictly asked his supporters and well-wishers not to organise any celebrations for his birthday. “When my supporters told me that they are issuing advertisements extending birthday greetings, I had turned them down. I went to Kedaranath with my family to celebrate my birthday,’’ he said.

Asked whether his comments on the Siddaramotsava would invite comments from the opposition parties, he said: “I cannot help it. You people (media) want such controversies and therefore keep asking me. I cannot do much about how the supporters of other leaders act.’’

To a question on Congress MLA from Belagavi Lakshmi Hebbalkar visiting former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa, he said: “I don’t know anything about it. She may have met him in her individual capacity or to discuss political matters. Legislators visiting and meeting leaders of other parties is common. She may have gone to pay her respects to Yediyurappa, who has just returned from a foreign tour.’’

Responding to Revenue Minister R Ashok’s statement that both Congress and JD(S) will not be there after the assembly elections, he quipped: “I am glad that he admits Congress party will return to power after 10 years and that his party (BJP) will lose. That is enough.’’