Bengaluru, June 29 (Reporter) Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar asserted on Saturday that his elevation to the Chief Minister's position would be decided by the high command based on his performance, in response to increasing support from various quarters. "The high command will evaluate my work and decide accordingly," Shivakumar told reporters here on Saturday, responding to growing support from various quarters advocating for his elevation to the Chief Minister's position. He dismissed speculations, stating that there had been no discussions on appointing a Deputy Chief Minister, nor was there any need to debate the Chief Minister's position at that juncture. He characterised any endorsements, including the recent statement by Swami Kumara Chandrashekaranatha, as gestures of affection, and urged against further recommendations, emphasising that the decision lay solely with the party's high command. "Any endorsements, including the recent statement by Swami Kumara Chandrashekaranatha, are gestures of affection, and I urge against further recommendations. The decision lies solely with the party's high command," he stated. He continued by stating that a consensus had been reached among AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, the Chief Minister, and himself regarding the path forward for Karnataka's welfare. He emphasised that it was unnecessary for MLAs, ministers, or religious figures to intervene in the matter. Regarding recent meetings in New Delhi with MPs and Union Ministers, Shivakumar highlighted bipartisan cooperation, noting that despite political differences, all MPs and five Union Ministers had assured their support. He mentioned that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had committed to fulfilling Karnataka's central government commitments. He further mentioned that discussions had taken place on technical issues regarding the Upper Bhadra Project, with documents already submitted. He added that former CMs Bommai and Shettar, along with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, were actively involved in addressing the Mahadayi project. Shivakumar also outlined efforts to resolve local roadblocks in project implementation, stating, "Meetings with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have addressed issues hindering state projects. We are engaging with local stakeholders, including farmers, to find feasible solutions...////...