Bengaluru, 2 Oct

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday took strong exception to party members discussing leadership change in the State, saying such statements are "damaging the party".

Congress Kunigal MLA HD Ranganath, who is Shivakumar's relative, and former Mandya MP LR Shivarame Gowda on Wednesday renewed the debate by claiming that Shivakumar will become the next CM. Gowda also said that it will happen in November.

"No one is permitted to speak on power sharing, including Ranganath," Shivakumar told press.

He underlined that the matter is now closed after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's assertion that he would complete his full five-year term and both leaders would abide by the High Command's decision.

"Whatever Siddaramaiah has said is final…. People who are speaking on it are damaging the party. Those speaking on his or my behalf are damaging the party and are indulging in anti-party activity," said the KPCC President.

Reiterating the Congress stance on discipline, the Deputy CM said, " We are the disciplined soldiers of our party. For us party is important, not the individual. Siddaramaiah has said he is not important but the party. We will obey what the party says. That's what we should do."

On the BJP's statement that its revolution is finalised, he said, "I will give them (BJP leaders) needle and thread. Let them stitch the torn portion in the party".

Earlier, Ranganath called Shivakumar a “rising star” and a “pan-India leader”.