Bangalore: Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha MP D.K. Suresh feels there is a strong sentiment in the Vokkaliga community for his elder brother, D.K. Shivakumar’s inclusion in the state cabinet.
"I do not deny the fact that people want my brother to be inducted into the Siddaramaiah ministry. But the high command has to take a decision. We cannot press for this."
Asked if Vokkaligas would vote against the Congress party if the party denies a cabinet berth to Shivakumar, Suresh appeared cautious but made his stand clear.
"We cannot control or mould the opinions of Vokkaligas. But our stand is clear. We will not go against the party's diktat. We are committed to party work whether he gets a cabinet berth or not. And our commitment is not linked to a cabinet berth," Suresh said.
On the negative impact of AHINDA programmes piloted by the Congress government, Suresh denied it would have an adverse impact on others, "The government has given a good budget. Before the election, they will give one more budget. I think it will help us consolidate our position in the LS polls," he said.
Suresh was non-commital on getting a ticket in the forthcoming LS polls, Asked what he would do if the party denied him the ticket in the wake of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi maintaining that he would revolutionise the party and give tickets to newcomers who have no ‘dark spot’ in their career, Suresh said, "The party will select candidates who are active, young and can win. I am not bothered whether I will get the ticket, I will continue to work for the party."
