Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday dismissed speculation over instability in the Karnataka government, asserting that the State government is stable and that “all chairs are strong”.

Speaking to mediapersons at Mudgal in Lingsugur taluk of Raichur district after attending the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the former MLA D.S. Hoolageri, Mr. Shivakumar reacted sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks that the Chief Minister’s chair in Karnataka is “shaking”.

“We do not know what the Prime Minister is seeing. No chair in Karnataka is shaking. All chairs are strong,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar also expressed deep grief over the death of Minister D. Sudhakar, describing him as a close associate and a leader with a large heart.

“Sudhakar should have been with us for the inauguration of the Upper Bhadra Project. Whenever he met me or the Chief Minister, he always spoke about development issues in his district and the problems of the poor,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that Sudhakar was hospitalised about a month ago following knee pain and later developed a lung infection after surgery, leading to deterioration in his condition.

“Doctors and the government made every possible effort, but we could not save him,” he said.

Recalling Sudhakar’s contribution to the cooperative sector, Mr. Shivakumar said that he served as president of the District Central Cooperative Bank and as director of the Apex Bank, besides working to unite legislators of Chitradurga district for the Upper Bhadra Project.

“He belonged to the Jain community but had the ability to carry people from all communities together with affection. His death is a major loss to the government, the party and the district. Personally, it is a great loss to me,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said that the Minister worked with a spirit of sacrifice for both the party and the government and even gave up a portfolio for Minister Ramalinga Reddy.

Responding to questions on drinking water scarcity, Mr. Shivakumar said that providing drinking water remained a priority for his department.

“I will speak to officials and take whatever measures are necessary to address the issue,” he said.

Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, the former Minister Amaregouda Bayyapur, Maski MLA Basanagouda Turvihal and MLCs Sharanu Gowda Patil Bayyapur and Basanagouda Badarli were present.