No Differences, Many Times I Stood With Siddaramaiah: DKS Ahead of CLP Meeting

Hours before the CLP meeting to decide on the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress Karnataka Chief DK Shivakumar on Sunday claimed he has no difference with senior leader Siddaramaiah, who is a prime contender for the top post.

"Some people said that I have differences with Siddaramaiah. There are no differences between us," ANI quoted DK Shivakumar as saying at a press conference in Tumkur on Sunday. It comes after posters were put up by the respective supporters of both leaders referring to them as the "next CM" of Karnataka.

"Many times I have sacrificed for the party. I sacrificed and helped and stood with Siddaramaiah. Wasn't I patient when I was not made a minister in the beginning? I have given cooperation to Siddaramaiah," he stated.

The Congress on Saturday made a stunning comeback in Karnataka ousting the BJP from its lone southern citadel with a comfortable majority. The crucial meeting of the CLP will be held later this evening where a decision to elect the leader will be taken. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President DK Shivakumar are both front-runners for the chief minister's post.

The Congress leaders are expected to pass a resolution authorising the party's high command to decide on the CM face and the Deputy CM face, ANI reported citing sources. The central leadership is in favour of making Siddaramaiah the Chief Minister and DK Shivakumar has been offered the post of Deputy CM, the report claimed.

"Shivakumar has also been offered an important ministry," sources said.

Congress has registered a resounding victory in Karnataka Assembly polls, winning 135 seats. While the BJP has been reduced to 66 seats, the JDS has bagged just 19 seats.

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has appointed former Sushilkumar Shinde and party leaders Jitendra Singh and Deepak Babaria as observers for the election of the CLP leader in Karnataka.