'Country Looking At Us': Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar Says Next Target Is 2024 Lok Sabha Polls

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has told party cadre that the next target of Congress is the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Day after being sworn in as the new Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress MLA DK Shivakumar on Sunday put forth the party's agenda saying that the next target for them is the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Congress won Karnataka assembly polls with a thumping majority of 135 seats while BJP managed only 66. On Sunday, addressing party cadres in Bengaluru, he said that they must fight the general elections well to oust the ruling BJP. Shivakumar was speaking in a programme that was held to remember former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 32nd death anniversary.

"We got 135+ seats in the Assembly elections, but I am not happy, don't come to my or Siddaramaiah's house. Our next target is the Lok Sabha elections and we must fight well," Shivakumar said, as quoted by ANI.

He said that the party is least bothered about BJP or JD(S) and will work towards the welfare, and development of the state with the idea that was harnessed by the Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. He said, "We know the country is looking at us", adding that Karnataka will be the party's gateway to the north.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also addressed the party workers and took the opportunity to slam BJP. He said, "PM Modi speaks about terrorism, no one from BJP has ever lost their life due to terrorism. BJP keeps saying that we support terrorism but many Congress leaders like Indira Gandhi & Rajiv Gandhi died in terror attacks."

Both leaders also paid tributes to Rajiv Gandhi.

Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar took the oath of office along with eight other MLAs seven days after winning the polls as both were eyeing the post of CM in the state.

The grand old party arrived at a consensus on government formation in the state after five days of hectic parleys. The swearing-in ceremony was held in Bengaluru on May 20. The oath-taking ceremony also became a stage to display opposition unity as many leaders of other parties graced the occasion.

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday thanked the people of Karnataka for electing the party to power in the state saying the mandate is for a pro-people's government. In a video message, the former party chief said, "I wish to thank all of you, the people of Karnataka for giving the Congress party such an historic mandate. This mandate is for a pro-people's, pro-poor government." Her statement came hours after Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar took the oath of office of Karnataka Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively.