Siddaramaiah, not a natural choice for CM if Congress wins Karnataka

The race to the post of the Chief Minister of Karnataka in case the Congress wins the elections would not be easy for Siddaramaiah. Going by reports and the various statements, it appears as though he is not the natural choice for CM although he led the party's campaign.

Siddaramaiah dropped a hint saying that he is not averse to the idea of a Dalit CM, in case the high command chose one. There was speculation galore that Siddaramaiah was ready for a compromise in case the Congress had to take the support of the JD(S) to form the government in Karnataka. If the Congress needs the support of the JD(S), the one pre-condition from the latter would be to drop Siddaramaiah as the CM candidate.

"I will have no contentions if the party high command desires to make a Dalit the chief minister. MLAs have to give their opinion and the high command too must agree, "Siddaramaiah said. He also went on to add that no one should be forced as it would be hard to run the government.

Mallikarjuna Kharge who has been a front-runner to the post for long said that he would welcome the move if the party decided. He however said that he has not applied for the post because he is a Dalit. He said that he would be happy if the party considered his name based on his seniority in the party.

Dr. G Parameshwar, also a front-runner said that he welcomed the stand taken by Siddaramaiah. He however said that traditionally it is the Congress legislature party and the high command which decided on such matters. He said that in 2013, a decision to make Siddaramaiah the CM was also taken in a similar manner.

The view was however not shared by all. Water Resources Minister M B Patil said that traditionally the one who has led the campaign is made the CM by the high command.