In Shivakumar Vs Siddaramaiah Battle, Both Leaders Refuse To Relent

The suspense over who would be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka continues, with both D K Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah rejecting a power-sharing option, sources have told OneIndia.

While it was being reported earlier that both leaders may go in for a rotational policy or 2.5 years each, it is now said that both have rejected that option. There were hectic parleys in Delhi with both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah exercising their clout before the high command. Rahul Gandhi too chaired a meeting with both leaders, but there has been no outcome as yet.

The secret ballot that the MLAs exercised in Bengaluru ahead of the developments in Delhi too have had no impact on the leadership to decide on the next Chief Minister.

This would mean that the decision would be delayed for a few more days. Congress chief, Mallikarjun Kharge would be meeting with a few more senior leaders in the days to come and then take a call on who would lead the government in Karnataka.

The Congress won the Karnataka elections handsomely. It now has 135 members in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly where the magic mark is 113.

Sources also said that Kharge is not taking any sides. However, AICC general secretary, K C Venugopal is backing Siddaramaiah. The source also added that many senior leaders are rallying behind Siddaramaiah. However, Shivakumar too has exercised his clout. Prior to leaving for Delhi, he had said that he should be recognised for the efforts he has taken to bring the party to power. He had repeatedly spoken about his proximity to the Gandhis.

Meanwhile, it is being reported that Kharge would make the announcement in Bengaluru on Thursday. A final decision would be taken after final consultations with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, reports said.