Addressing a series of thanksgiving meetings across the Kanakapura constituency during his first visit to his home turf after becoming Chief Minister, Shivakumar said opposition party workers should set aside political differences and work for the welfare of the people.
“Can the BJP or the JD(S) create another D K Shivakumar in this district? Certainly not. BJP and JD(S) workers must understand this clearly,” he said.
Referring to leaders who had earlier contested against him, Shivakumar said many had now chosen to work alongside him in the interests of the constituency.
“PGR Sindhia, Vishwanath, Narayana Gowda and UK Swamy had all contested elections against me. Today, they are standing with me. They are not fools. They have joined hands because they know another Shivakumar will not come along and because they want what is good for the people,” he said.
Calls for unity
Urging political workers to move beyond past rivalries, Shivakumar said development should take precedence over party affiliations.“If there is any ill-will among yourselves, forget it. Let us all work together in unity. Through this occasion, I am conveying the same message to leaders of other parties as well,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed confidence about returning to power in the next Assembly election.
“Our lives are temporary, but the legacy we leave behind remains. Should I be Chief Minister for only two years? With your blessings, we must return to power in 2028. For that, we must work together, govern well and leave behind a lasting legacy,” he said.
