New Delhi, 23 Dec

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified on his visit to Delhi, stating that it was solely intended to meet Union Ministers regarding state issues like irrigation and urban development, and dismissed any political objective.

"I have not come for any politics here; I have come just to meet Union Ministers regarding our state, for irrigation, and urban development. I don't want to comment on anything on other political issues which are not on the cards now," he emphasised, avoiding comments on political matters.

This comes amid speculation about a rotational chief ministership. Rumours of a "two-and-a-half-year" power-sharing agreement have resurfaced as the government recently crossed the halfway mark of its term.

Shivakumar criticised the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, calling it "the beginning of the end.”

He also claimed that the new funding pattern will make the scheme unworkable for states.

Speaking to the reporters here on Tuesday, Shivakumar said, "This is the beginning of the end. Which state government will give 40%? No state, including BJP-ruled states, can do this. This scheme is sure to fail in future. 40% is impossible for any state to provide."