Mysuru, Nov 11 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said he would not wish ill on anyone, including his predecessor Siddaramaiah, and vowed to use his tenure in public office to leave a lasting and positive impact on people's lives, amid speculation over differences between the two leaders.
Speaking at the release of researcher Ramya's book 'Chalisuva Bande' (The Moving Rock), Shivakumar said he had worked with Siddaramaiah and had no intention of causing harm to him or anyone else.
"I will do work that will remain in people's hearts during my tenure. I will not wish ill of anyone. I have worked with Siddaramaiah. I am not a person who wishes ill of him or anybody else. I will not wish ill of anyone in the future either. This is my commitment," he said, according to a release by his office.
The remarks came after Shivakumar, on Monday, dismissed speculation about differences between him and Siddaramaiah, asserting that there was no discord, big or small, between them.
"Some people are trying to create an impression that there are differences between us," he had said after meeting Siddaramaiah.
Reflecting on his political journey, Shivakumar said navigating politics was difficult and required patience, perseverance and the ability to withstand criticism.
"Swimming in politics is not easy. Reaching the shore after swimming is even more difficult. Some people are waiting to see whether I will be allowed to govern for one, two, three or six months and what I will do. The opposition is unable to digest my growth. Some cannot even utter my name.
"But I am not someone who will bow to such criticism. I am only being patient," he said.
Expressing faith in himself and the people of Karnataka, the chief minister said he had no intention of deceiving or troubling anyone and wanted to ensure that people did not face unnecessary hardship during his tenure.
"I have no intention of cheating anyone, causing trouble or wishing ill of anybody. My desire is that no one should face unnecessary hardship during my tenure. If people need any help, I am ready to provide it. I will work towards taking everyone along," he said.
Shivakumar also recalled his association with former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, saying that despite political differences, he had never sought to undermine him during the Congress-JD(S) coalition government.
"We had considerable political differences with Kumaraswamy. However, when our party decided to join hands with him, I never wanted to trouble or deceive him during the period we were in government. I tried to strengthen his hands. Whether he accepts us or not is not important. What matters is whether our conscience accepts our actions. Nothing is greater than one's conscience," he said.
Recalling his educational journey, Shivakumar said obtaining a degree through the University of Mysore's distance education programme at around the age of 48 had brought him greater happiness than becoming a Cabinet minister or chief minister.
"Even when I became a Cabinet minister in S M Krishna's government, a minister twice in Siddaramaiah's Cabinet, or now the Chief Minister, I did not experience the happiness I felt when I received my degree at around 48 through the University of Mysore's distance education programme. That was a historic day in my life," he said.
He also recalled receiving an election ticket while still pursuing the final year of his graduation and continuing his political journey despite losing his first election.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)