Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has decided to travel to Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The summit, which began on Monday, will continue until January 23. Earlier, Mr. Shivakumar had planned to skip the event, citing a busy schedule in Delhi and the commencement of the State legislature session from January 22.
However, responding to questions from the media, he said on Monday that he had now received approval from the party leadership in Delhi. “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also asked me to attend the Davos summit. Even Opposition leaders have suggested that I should go. Should I not consider their advice in the interest of the State?” he remarked.
Addressing speculation about leadership change in the State and his recent visit to Delhi, the Deputy Chief Minister clarified, “We visit Delhi for political, party, and government-related work. I held discussions on Karnataka, the Assam elections, and other political matters with our leaders.”
Soon after returning to Bengaluru, Mr. Shivakumar asserted that he enjoyed the support of all 140 MLAs in the ruling party, including the Chief Minister. “There is no confusion regarding leadership. It is the media that is creating unnecessary speculation. We have discussed the matter, and the high command will take the final decision. We will all abide by it. Both the Chief Minister and I have clarified this several times, so please stop creating confusion,” he said.
On the issue of elections to the five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, he stated, “The court has issued its order. Our government has decided to conduct zilla and taluk panchayat elections. There is also a proposal to hold all local body elections simultaneously.”
