S. A. Hemanth
Bengaluru, May 18: After having dug his heels for the post of Chief Minister, KPCC President D. K. Shivakumar finally relented to accept the post of Deputy Chief Minister.
What made this dynamic leader to relent and come down from his demand?
Shivakumar went by the time-tested principle “discretion is better part of valour” and decided to accept the number two position.
A past master in the art of maneuvering, Shivakumar is also pragmatic; a down-to-earth practical man. He knows how much to pull and push and when as well as where and how to let go. This he does with his characteristic aplomb, to his advantage in the long run and chooses his timing.
Shivakumar succeeded in extracting two promises from the high command. First, that he should continue to remain as KPCC President till the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Second, that he will be the only Deputy Chief Minister.
The High Command was left with no other alternative but to accept the Vokkaliga strongman’s demands “in the interest of the party and the state”
It was only after the High Command – Sonia, Rahul, Priyanka and Mallijarjuna Kharge – accepted to the two demands of Shivakumar, the KPCC President decided to convene the meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) and also write a letter to the Governor to direct the officers to make arrangements for the swearing in ceremony.
Shivakumar has been conducting himself in very matured, deft and pragmatic manner in handling the entire episode.
It is a matter of curiosity as to how the two leaders – Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar – would conduct in the government.
EOM
