New Delhi, June 2 -- Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar, who is slated to take oath tomorrow, has said that the opportunity to serve the state in the top political post was "delayed but not denied" and that he will seek to take along all sections of society in the journey to take the state forward.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Shivakumar said that he has risen through dedication and hard work. He also talked about "tough, troubling time", apparently referring to protracted speculation about his elevation.

"It was not a dream. It was a dedication. Dedication with hard work. So it was a tough, troubling time. Though it has been delayed, it was not denied. I feel there's no Shivakumar here. It is a Congress worker, who...