Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (JD)
Karkala, March 2: Former chief minister Dr M Veerappa Moily made a powerful statement at the Congress "Kutumbotsava" event here asserting that no one could prevent Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar from becoming the next chief minister of the state.
Speaking in the presence of D K Shivakumar, Moily reflected on his role in securing Shivakumar's first MLA ticket and noted that he had emerged as a successful leader. "He must become the chief minister soon," Moily declared, drawing a comparison between Karkala and the sacred land of Gommateshwara, hoping that Shivakumar’s leadership would flourish like the revered Jain deity.
Moily praised Shivakumar for his leadership, particularly during challenging times. "As KPCC president, he revived the party during a crisis and played a key role in Congress regaining power across various states," Moily remarked, underscoring the significant role Shivakumar had in rebuilding the party.
In response to criticisms leveled against Shivakumar, Moily dismissed the opposition’s remarks, stating that such comments were often made for personal satisfaction. "Becoming the chief minister is not something given by anyone; it is an achievement earned through strength and dedication. The power he has amassed makes him deserving of the CM’s post," Moily said, adding that public sentiment and history had already determined that DK Shivakumar would be the next Chief Minister.
Moily further emphasised that despite any efforts to stop him, it was inevitable that Shivakumar would assume the role. "Even with relentless efforts to stop him, it is impossible to prevent D K Shivakumar from becoming chief minister," he asserted. Moily also advised Shivakumar’s supporters not to claim credit for his rise, as his leadership and hard work were the true drivers of his success.
In a direct attack on the BJP, Moily accused the party of mismanaging the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, referring to them as the "land of gods."
"There is nothing wrong with visiting temples, but the BJP has turned this sacred land into a land of debt," Moily remarked, ending his speech on a strong political note.
People of Karkala should arrange a picnic to Parashurama Theme Park: DKS
During his address, Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar had sharp words for local BJP leaders. Commenting on the welcome extended to him by Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar, Shivakumar asked, "Sunil should answer why he resigned from his party position before welcoming me to the land of Hindutva."
He challenged Sunil Kumar to a public debate in Karkala with Congress leader Sudhir Kumar Maroli on the development works done during both Congress and BJP tenures.
Shivakumar also reminded the gathering of the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government’s achievements, including the introduction of legislation to reserve funds for SC/ST communities based on their population. "On the first day of taking the oath, we declared the implementation of five guarantees," he said.
Shivakumar then turned his attention to the Parashurama Theme Park, which he had recently visited. "Udaykumar Shetty insisted that I visit the Parashurama Theme Park, and after seeing it with my own eyes, I believe the people of Karkala should arrange a picnic to that spot to show the reality. This is a holy land, and yet, such things happen here. You make politics in the name of religion. No one is born by choosing their religion. There is no benefit if we do politics on religion," Shivakumar remarked, making a clear political point.
Shivakumar’s remarks resonated with the audience, as Karkala Congress leaders including Muniyal Udaykumar Shetty, KPCC campaign committee president Vinay Kumar Sorake, and other prominent leaders like Jayaprakash Hegde, Gopal Poojary, Gopinath Bhat, Prasad Raju, Padmaraj, Abhay Chandra Jain, and Ramanath Rai also participated in the event.