BJP was forcefully keeping our two MLAs: DK Shivakumar

Q: You have been projected as a master strategist who foiled BJP gameplan...

A: It was a joint effort. I am a loyalist of the Congress and Gandhi family. The credit goes to the entire party, leaders across the nation who extended support for a secular government to be installed in Karnataka.

Q: Party gave you a free hand to keep your flock together. It helped?

A: I am really thankful for bestowing me with the responsibility of taking care of our legislators. However, I must mention here that all our senior leaders guided us and it was our duty to give them back.

Q: Was party tense as Anand Singh and Pratap Gowda Patil were missing?

A: I had said since beginning that they will come. I was in constant touch with them. They were taken away by my BJP friends but ultimately with my own sources I was in touch with them. BJP was forcefully keeping them and not allowing to come back. However, they came and took oath in the Assembly.

Q: You were not allowed to fly in chartered flight. Can you confirm?

A: Yes, we had booked a plane. However, we did not get the clearance and therefore we took a bus. Even if it had extended for 15 days, we would have kept the flock together. In 2002, the Congress legislators from Maharashtra were here. So were Gujarat legislators when Ahmed Patel was contesting the Rajya Sabha poll. We didn't fail them.

Q: What assurances did you give to your legislators?

A: We have given assurance that there will be fair and secular govt in the interests of state and nation. So asked them not to look at smaller things.

Q: How many Congress legislators will join the next govt? Will you be part of it?

A: I don't know. My leaders will take a call. One thing is clear. The Congress and JD(S) together will have to form a secular government.

Q: Will you be deputy CM?

A: My leaders will do justice.

Q: Will you be Karnataka party unit chief?

A: I do not want to make any comment.