Bengaluru, 18 August (H.S.) :Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday pledged to work with leaders across party lines, asserting that he would never use his office to create enemies, settle political scores or hurt anyone.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly while congratulating newly elected Deputy Speaker Mankal Vaidya, Shivakumar said those occupying constitutional positions must rise above party affiliations. The Deputy Speaker, he said, represents the entire House and not merely legislators belonging to the ruling Congress.

“In power, you can either make friends or enemies. I want to make more friends and help everyone. My position should benefit even the person at the bottom of society,” the Chief Minister said.

His remarks came as Opposition legislators reiterated their demand that development funds be distributed equally among all MLAs, irrespective of their political affiliation. Responding to the demand, Shivakumar invoked Swami Vivekananda’s message that a person should be bold-hearted in defeat and large-hearted in victory.

Reflecting on his political career, which began during his student days, the Chief Minister also referred to German statesman Otto von Bismarck’s observation that politics is “the art of the possible.”

Shivakumar noted that several leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) had switched political parties at different stages of their careers to secure power or remain politically relevant. Political circumstances and alliances, he suggested, often change over time.

However, the Chief Minister maintained that political differences should not obstruct Karnataka’s development. He assured the Assembly that his government would cooperate with elected representatives from every party and address their concerns.

Shivakumar said public office carried a responsibility to serve all sections of society without discrimination. Political rivalry, he added, should not become personal hostility or prevent leaders from working together.

“All of us must work for the State without hatred towards anyone,” he said, calling for cooperation between the government and the Opposition.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman