Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 2: D K Shivakumar, who is perceived to have lost his battle for energy ministry to H D Revanna of JD(S), insisted that he has never held any discussions with Revanna on the issue of any department including energy.

Speaking to media persons here on Friday June 1, he sarcastically said that he had not lost balance of mind to talk to Revanna and requested people not to compare him with an experienced politician and highly placed personality like Revanna. "I salute him from a distance instead of having to do something with him. Why do you think I need to discuss anything with him?" he quipped.

"I have never applied or lobbied for posts like deputy chief minister, president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, etc. I sincerely worked to keep the flock of legislators together. I will obediently do whatever work the party entrusts to me. In a house, different people are given different responsibilities like sweeping the floor, dusting of the furniture etc. I have been given the duty of a watchman. The post of watchman is trustworthy and highly respected. People inside the house can remain safe only if the watchman is good. I am proud that the party reposed so much trust in me," he stated.

Shivakumar had dropped broad hints about losing energy ministry on Friday afternoon itself when he said in a press conference that till now, the government used to foot his power bill and that henceforth this facility would not be extended to him.

With this, curiosity is building within Congress circles about what departments Shivakumar would get, considering his eminence in the state he enjoys and closeness to national leadership. As per information, out of important portfolios of home, revenue, irrigation, Bengaluru development and industry that Congress has got in its share, home department would be assigned to Dr G Parameshwar. Some reports claim that Shivakumar is inclined to accept revenue or Bengaluru development department.

People close to Shivakumar feel that Congress leaders are responsible for allowing energy department to slip out of the party's hands. It is said that although JD(S) leaders were prepared to forgo energy ministry at one stage, Congress leaders asked them to remain firm on wresting this department from Congress.

There is also information that Shivakumar's name is under consideration for the post of the president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee.