With Parameshwara throwing his hat, Karnataka’s Cong to witness 3-corner fight for CM

Elections are due in Karnataka by May this year. 224 constituencies would vote in an election where the magic number is 113

The fight for the post of chief minister of Karnataka if the Congress wins, is becoming a three-corner fight.

Senior Congress leader, Dr. G Parameshwara said recently that he is the race to become CM if the Congress wins Karnataka.

In an interview, Parameshwar said that his credentials for the top post were strong. "I have put in 35 years in my political career. When you have been a deputy chief minister, naturally the next step would be for anyone who has been in that position, to become the chief minister. I repeat that we must get the majority and all of us have to collectively fight this election."

The comments by Parameshwara are a clear sign that nothing has been settled in Karnataka where the post of CM is concerned. Both D K Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah are in the race for the top post. Neither has relented and said that he does not aspire to become the CM if the Congress comes to power.

While the battle is largely between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, it needs to be seen if they are able to come to a consensus when it comes to candidate selection. Ultimately the number of MLAs backing a leader would go on to become the CM if the Congress wins. It has been reported that while the differences have been ironed out, there is still some confusion relating to around 55 constituencies. Both leaders have reportedly not relented on each one's choice of candidates for these 55 odd constituencies.

Parameshwar on the other hand has been a deputy to Siddaramaiah in 2013 when the Congress won. He has also been the state president of the party during the 2013 elections. However, Parameshwar lost that election and this was the main reasons for him being denied the CM's post.

Parameshwar in the interview said that for the party to come to power it is riding on a new strategy. "Any party has to get the majority. All of us, be it Shivakumar or Siddaramaiah or myself or other leaders, our fundamental objective should be to bring that number 113. Then we can all fight," he added.

Ultimately it would boil down to the wish of the high command or how many MLAs are backing the candidate waiting to become the CM.

In the run up to the elections, although the high command has advised the leaders to remain mum on the CM candidate, several MLAs have been speaking out in support of their leaders. Congress MLA, Byrathi Suresh said at a function in February that he openly backs Siddaramaiah's candidature.

In the same month, Shivakumar expressed his desire to become the CM. At a rally he said that all should come together and ensure that he is seated on the third floor of the Vidhan Soudha. The third floor houses the CM's office.

Elections in Karnataka are due by May. 224 constituencies would go to vote and the magic number to win the elections is 113.