From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, May 15: KPCC chief D K Shivakumar, who celebrated his 62nd birthday, said the people of Karnataka have given the "biggest gift to me" by giving an absolute majority of 135 out of the 224 seats in the State Assembly.

"People’s mandate is the biggest gift. Let us see what the party high command decides," he said in a cryptic remark on whether he will be given the opportunity to hold the coveted post of chief minister of Karnataka.

Shivakumar, one of the strongest contenders for the top post along with former chief minister Siddaramaiah, told media persons near his residence on Monday that he is yet to decide on visiting Delhi.

"The newly elected Congress legislature party has taken a unanimous decision of leaving the choice of chief ministership to the party high command. We have passed a one-line resolution authorizing the party high command to make a decision," he said.

Shivakumar said his family members have planned pujas and other ceremonies in connection with his birthday. "I need to go to Delhi. But I have not made any decision so far," he said.

The KPCC Chief parried questions on whether the party high command will give him a birthday gift by offering the chance to become the Chief minister. He said, "People have reposed faith in my leadership and have given the party, headed by me, a 135-seat majority. Can there be any bigger and better gift than this?"

"I have faced all the hurdles and troubles heaped on me by the double-engine BJP rule, facing all obstacles. I have done my part even without having power and successfully faced all challenges," he said.

Earlier, AICC observer Sushil Kumar Shinde visited his residence and extended birthday greetings to Shivakumar. KPCC Campaign Committee chairman M B Patil was also present.