From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Belagavi/Hubballi, May 31: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also the KPCC Chief, took time off from his official engagements and flew to Belagavi and Hubballi to meet prominent BJP leaders, who joined the Congress during elections, and made it clear that the party will look after their interests.

Shivakumar called on former BJP Deputy Chief Minister and MLC, who resigned to join Congress and won in Belagavi, as also former BJP Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, who however was defeated in the elections on Congress ticket, at his residence in Hubballi, besides meeting leaders like Baburao Chinchanasur, Shivalingegowda, Gubbi Vasu, Puttanna and others.

“All these tall leaders resigned from the then ruling BJP and gave up their seats and joined the Congress to strengthen the party. They have done their work. It is now the responsibility of the party to given them strength,’’ he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said he was busy after the elections and also in a series of meetings on implementation of the 5 Congress Guarantees besides his own department meetings.

“I am now on a mission to meet our leaders and strengthen them. We held cordial discussions on internal matters and also get and give suggestions. There is no other political motive. They are all part of the Congress family,’’ he declared.

Responding to questions from media persons, Shivakumar said he cannot discuss with the media about the positions that may be offered to Laxman Savadi or why he was not included in the Cabinet. “He is our leader and has helped the party. There is no question of abandoning him,’’ he said.

In Hubballi, he said Shettar may have lost in the assembly elections. But he continues to be our leader and we value his leadership and contribution to the party and the State, he explained.

He, however, refused to answer questions on what position will be given to Shettar or whether he will be made an MLC. “All these are internal affairs of the party. I cannot discuss everything in public,’’ he added.