Decision “in larger interest of the party”, says DKShi

New Delhi: Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar who has reportedly agreed to accept the deputy chief minister post said that he took the decision “in larger interest of the party”.

“We have a commitment for Karnataka. Parliament elections are there. So in larger interest for the party I have agreed for the formula. More responsibility is on me now to serve Karnataka. We have to deliver,” DK Shivakumar has been quoted as speaking to India Today.

There had been an intense round of discussion for finalising the Chief Minister following the announcement of state assembly results on May 13. DK Shivakumar who had expressed his aspiration to become Chief Minister reportedly agreed to accept the deputy chief minister post following an intervention by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, sources said.

Sources said the swearing-in ceremony will be held in Bengaluru on May 20 around noon.

Meanwhile, MP DK Suresh expressed his displeasure over his brother DK Shivakumar getting the post of Deputy Chief Minister.

“I am not fully happy but in the interest of Karnataka, we wanted to fulfil our commitment…That is why DK Shivakumar had to accept. In future we will see, there is a long way to go. …I wish it (CM post for DK Shivakumar) but it didn’t happen, we will wait and see,” DK Suresh told ANI.