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Karnataka Election Result Live Updates: Suspense on who will be the new chief minister of Karnataka continued on Tuesday, with the Congress high command unable to take a final call on who would get the top post in the state – former CM Siddaramaiah and KPCC president DK Shivakumar – both in the fray in the assembly polls. Equally important was the party’s landslide victory, in which it won 136 out of 224 seats, brutally defeating the rival BJP. Congress may reveal the name of the Chief Minister of Karnataka today (May 16).
Shivakumar, who had canceled his visit to the national capital thrice on Monday citing health reasons after being called by the central leadership for a discussion, is expected to reach Delhi today.
Talking to the media on Monday evening, the Kanakpura MLA said, ‘My health is not allowing me (to go to Delhi). I have stomach problem, blood pressure and fever. Will reach tomorrow”.
Sources said that Shivakumar will leave for Delhi from Devanahalli airport by Visarat flight at 9.50 am this morning.
Three central observers, who held talks with party legislators on their choice for the chief minister’s post after the Congress Legislature Party meeting on Sunday, briefed party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and submitted their report.
After the meeting, AICC in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Surjewala said the party was in no hurry and would take a decision after wide consultations.
The observers have submitted the report to the Congress President. We will hold consultations with all senior state leaders including Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar and then a decision will be taken by the Congress President.
Former chief ministers Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were called by the party high command for further discussions on government formation. Siddaramaiah reached the national capital this afternoon, but Shivakumar canceled his trip thrice, hours after confirming he would fly to Delhi, fueling speculation that factional fighting in the Karnataka Congress has reared its head again.
However, late on Monday night, Shivakumar’s brother and Congress MP DK Suresh met All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in Delhi and later confirmed to reporters that the state party chief would visit Delhi on Tuesday. .
Responding to a question from reporters, DK Suresh said, “Yes, he will come tomorrow.”
Amid various claims about the number of MLAs supporting him and Siddaramaiah for the CM’s post, Shivakumar yesterday said their strength was 135 as the party won seats in the state under his chairmanship.
Shivakumar’s move, which many see as a “pressure tactic” to stake claim to the top post, signals that the leadership battle in the southern state is far from over.
The Congress Legislature Party on Sunday passed a resolution authorizing party president Mallikarjun Kharge to decide the chief ministerial candidate. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have never hidden their ambitions to become the Chief Minister.
Three observers deputed by the Congress — Sushilkumar Shinde, Jitendra Singh and Deepak Babaria, AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka and KC Venugopal, general secretary of the organization — met Kharge yesterday and discussed the views expressed by the legislators. Said.
The deliberations in Delhi were preceded by intense consultations, one-on-one interactions with legislators and even a ‘secret ballot’ during and after the Congress Legislature Party meeting in Bengaluru.
After the Congress’ resounding victory in the May 10 assembly polls, the party has a tough task of appeasing the two camps and is working on a ‘formula’.
Meanwhile, the BJP is reportedly considering the names of former CM Basavaraj Bommai and ex-minister R Ashoka for the post of Leader of Opposition and Deputy Floor Leader in the Karnataka Assembly.
The swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Minister will be held on May 18, in which all like-minded parties will be invited.