Cancelled Meetings, Flip-Flops And Suspense As Congress Yet to Pick CM Candidate

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

The suspense in Karnataka continues with cancelled meetings in Delhi and D K Shivakumar not relenting as Congress gets set to pick a chief minister.

As OneIndia had reported, Siddaramaiah looks to be closer to the finishing line. However last minute meetings in Delhi were cancelled and the suspense only grew. Shivakumar who was to be in Delhi on Monday did not go and this has only set tongues wagging more.

The scene of the action shifted from Karnataka to Delhi, with Siddaramaiah reaching the national capital. Sources say that Siddaramaiah would get the top billing at the end of it. Shivakumar may be given a couple of very important portfolios, the sources also said.

There are all indications that the Congress may make an announcement today itself. The party which has won a major election against the BJP after a long time would not want an internal rift to spoil the party. The Congress wants to use this template ahead of the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh elections. Any mess up in Karnataka would have its ramifications in the future elections.

The Congress would have to resolve the leadership issue quickly if it wants to keep the momentum going.

On Sunday, the legislature party meeting of the party took place.It was decided that the high command would take a final call. While the issue was meant to be resolved on Monday night, as of now, there is nothing final as well. Congress sources said that the name of Siddaramaiah has already been finalised. He had proposed a term sharing arrangement with his Shivakumar, but the latter has refused the same.

The party high command is taking into consideration a report by the 135 legislators, which appear to be tipped in favour of Siddaramaiah. The sources cited above said that the senior MLAs in the party have favoured Siddaramaiah and hence the race for Shivakumar for now, may be over.