"People are my strength and only they can decide my political future. I am from Ramnagar district and I am grateful to them. I have asked people to give me their support and they will decide," he told reporters. BJP MLC C.P. Yogeshwar's comment that contesting the Channapatna Assembly by-election would end his political career.

Shivakumar's statement assumes significance amid indications that the Congress high command may initiate action in the wake of setbacks in the Lok Sabha elections, as hinted at by Home Minister G. Parameshwar.

Asked about senior BJP MLA Suresh Kumar's statement that he was wasting national wealth, he said, "If there will be by-elections in Channapatna, then why will there be by-elections in Kanakapura? It is my responsibility as Congress state unit president." Is." I will contest the elections along with Siddaramaiah.”

Shivakumar had earlier indicated that he would join Union minister and JD-S state chief H.D. Will contest the by-election from Channapatna vacated by. Kumaraswamy. JD-S is planning to field Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy as the NDA candidate from this seat. BJP's Yogeshwar, who lost the assembly elections against Kumaraswamy in 2023, is also an aspirant.