CM’s chair will not be used to hurt anyone, says D. K. Shivakumar

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said he would not apply his office to make enemies or hurt anyone, and asserted that he would work with leaders of all political parties in the interest of Karnataka.

Congratulating newly-elected Deputy Speaker Mankal Vaidya in the Legislative Assembly on August 18, Mr. Shivakumar said he represents all legislators, and not merely Congress MLAs.

“In power, you can either produce friends or enemies. I want to make more friends and assist everyone. My position should benefit even the person at the bottom of society,” he said.

Responding to opposition members’ demand for the release of an equal amount of funds to all MLAs, Mr. Shivakumar quoted Swami Vivekananda: “One should be bold-hearted in defeat, and large-hearted in victory.”

Recalling his political journey from his student days, he quoted German statesman Otto von Bismarck’s observation that ‘politics is the art of the possible’. He said a number of BJP and JD(S) leaders had joined different political parties at different times to secure power and remain politically relevant.

Mr. Shivakumar said he would not apply his position against anyone, and would work with leaders across party lines for the development of the State. “All of us must work for the State without hatred towards anyone,” he said.

Stressing that the State Administration is ready to work with Union Ministers, he appreciated Union Minister S.R. Patil’s co-operation on irrigation issues, particularly those concerning the sharing of Tungabhadra river water.

Outlining his vision for the next 25 years, Mr. Shivakumar said political differences should be set aside in the larger interest of Karnataka. “Let us work together for a better Karnataka now and do politics during elections,” he said.

“Power is not permanent, but we should work for the welfare of all when we are given the authority to frame laws and policies,” he went on.

Mr. Shivakumar said a Cabinet gathering would be held in Mangaluru, and that the government would unveil a tourism policy aimed at developing coastal tourism.

To attend conference of CMs of southern States

Mr. Shivakumar informed the Assembly that he would travel to Chennai to attend the Southern States Chief Ministers’ Conference on August 19 and 20, to be chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

On the sidelines of the conference, he is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, with the Cauvery water-sharing issue probable to figure prominently in the discussions.