In Race For Karnataka CM, Why the Scales Are Tilted In Favour Of Siddaramaiah

There is plenty of suspense in Karnataka as the Congress gets set to pick the Chief Minister. Will it be Siddaramaiah or D K Shivakumar is the question.

Sources tell OneIndia that currently all the scales are tilted in favour of Siddaramaiah as he has the support of most of the MLAs. During the meeting that was held on Sunday, Siddaramaiah had suggested that he would be chief minister for two years, following which Shivakumar could be the CM for the next three years. Shivakumar is learnt to have rejected that proposal.

Currently both the leaders are visiting Delhi, following a resolution that was passed that the high command would take a final call.

In the May 10 elections, the Congress registered an emphatic victory and went on to bag 135 seats in the 224 member assembly where the magic mark is 113.

The source cited above said that in all likelihood Siddaramaiah may get the top billing. His seniority, the support he enjoys from the MLAs and the fact that he had said that this would be his last election are all factors that are favouring him.

On Sunday the party passed a one-line resolution which read, " the Congress Legislature Party unanimously resolves that AICC President is hereby authorised to appoint the new Leader of the Congress Legislature Party."

The Congress leadership in Karnataka is now awaiting a decision by the high-command as to who would be their leader. While deliberations would be on today, a decision in this regard is likely tomorrow, the source also said.

Following this decision, the next step would be to pick a cabinet. On counting day it was said that the Congress may accommodate three deputy chief ministers, one each from the Muslim, Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities. There is also a demand by several Muslim leaders that five from their community should be accommodated in the Cabinet and a post of deputy CM be given. This is because the Muslims this time have largely helped the Congress come to power. The Muslims it is said helped the Congress win in nearly 72 seats, reports said.