Karnataka, May 13 : After securing a resounding victory in Karnataka, the Congress party has shifted its focus to the selection of the next Chief Minister. The Leader of Opposition, Siddaramaiah, and Karnataka Congress President, D.K. Shivakumar, are the frontrunners for the coveted position, eagerly awaiting the decision of the party’s high command.
Siddaramaiah, when asked about the Chief Ministerial post, stated that the high command would seek the opinions of the newly-elected MLAs and make a decision accordingly. Observers will be dispatched by the high command to gather input, and the final decision will be made after consultations and due process.
Shivakumar also echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the high command would make the ultimate decision.
Sources reveal that the high command is considering a 50:50 formula for Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, recognizing the high stakes for the party in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
Siddaramaiah is known as a mass leader representing the Ahinda (Alpsankhyak, Hindulida, and Dalit) group, which includes minorities, backward classes, and Dalits. He has played a crucial role in policy-making and shaping the party’s manifesto. Furthermore, he is known for his scathing criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Shivakumar, on the other hand, was instrumental in rebuilding the party from scratch in the state after several top leaders, including sitting ministers, defected to the BJP in 2019. He successfully organized the party and marshaled resources. Coming from the influential Vokkaliga community, he managed to secure a significant portion of their votes for the Congress party.