Karnataka Govt Formation Highlights: Swearing-In Of Cabinet At 12:30 PM On May 20
Karnataka Government Formation Highlights: Congress high command finally reached a conclusion after much deliberations and Siddaramaiah was named as the CM while Shivakumar will be the only Dy CM.
"We will invite people from like-minded parties to take part in the swearing-in ceremony in Karnataka," KC Venugopal, General Secretary, Congress.
He said that swearing-in will take place on May 20 at 12:30 PM in Bengaluru.
Congress spokesperson KC Venugopal in a press briefing said. "We got majority on 13th, CLP meeting was held on 14th. Congress party made observers. There are many capable and charismatic leaders in the Karnataka Congress."
"Both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are our assets. The Congress President has finally decided on the Karnataka CLP leader," he added.
Addressing the media on the Karnataka CM issue, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said that there's no dictatorship in Congress.
He said, "I thank the people of Karnataka for giving Congress this resounding victory. I thank the poor and middle-class people of Karnataka who stood by the Congress party."
"Our party is a democratic party. We believe in consensus, not dictatorship," he added.
Crediting senior leadership for the victory, he said, "Our senior leadership has worked very hard for this victory. This victory started with Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra. We thank Rahul Gandhi for his campaign and his guidance. We also thank Priyanka Gandhi ji.
Strengthened our cadre with the advice of Madam Sonia Gandhi."
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal has announced in a press briefing that party chief Mallikarjun Kharge has decided to make Siddaramaiah the next Karnataka CM and DK Shivakumar will be the only deputy CM of the state.
He said that Shivakumar will remain PCC president till 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
"Siddaramaiah will be the chief minister of the Congress. DK Shivakumar will be the only deputy CM. Along with this, he will continue to be the PCC chairman till the Lok Sabha elections. CLP leader's sit will be held in Bengaluru in the evening," he added.
"Team Congress is committed to usher progress, welfare and social justice for the people of Karnataka. We will implement the 5 guarantees promised to 6.5 Cr Kannadigas," tweets Congress chief Kharge as CM crisis resolved.
Congress leaders Siddaramaiah & DK Shivakumar meet party president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi.
D K Shivakumar will leave for Bengaluru at 1:30 PM today.
Congress meet with Karnataka leaders Siddaramaiah & DK Shivakumar at party General Secretary-Organisation KC Venugopal's residence concludes in Delhi.
Leaders meeting at KC Venugopal's residence are also discussing how many ministers would be included in oath-taking ceremony on 20th May.
BJP MP and former Karnataka CM Sadananda Gowda reacts to developments on government formation in Karnataka.
"What happened in Rajasthan, same thing will happen here (in Karnataka). The vested interests of individuals - Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar - are clearly visible. It is quite unwarranted in democratic setup," he said.
Congress leader and former Dy CM Dr. G Parameshwara speaks on Karnataka government formation. He said, "Let AICC officially make an announcement about whom to give which position, and then the rest of the things will follow."
Congress MP and DK Shivakumar's brother, DK Suresh says he is not happy that Shivakumar was made deputy CM of Karnataka.
"I am not fully happy but in the interest of Karnataka, we wanted to fulfil our commitment...That is why DK Shivakumar had to accept. In future we will see, there is a long way to go. ...I wish it (CM post for DK Shivakumar) but it didn't happen, we will wait and see."
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala reaches AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal's residence in Delhi. Former Karnataka Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao and Karnataka CM-designate Siddaramaiahwho also leave for party leader KC Venugopal's Delhi residence.
"The party high command has taken a decision..." says DK Shivakumar, on being named the new Karnataka Deputy CM, as he arrives at the residence of party leader KC Venugopal in Delhi.
On Siddaramaiah named as CM, he said, "In the larger interest of the party…why not," reported ANI citing India Today.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to invite opposition leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Karnataka CM & Dy CM. The Gandhis, Congress CMs and senior Congress leaders to attend the event in Bengaluru: Sources
Heavy security deployment outside the Bengaluru residence of senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah who has been named as the next Karnataka CM. Supporters have also put up banners in support of Siddaramaiah.
The Chief Minister tussle in Karnataka seems to be ending as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge arrived at a consensus for the government formation in the state. According to ANI, Siddaramaiah will be the next chief minister of Karnataka and DK Shivakumar will be the Deputy Chief Minister. The oath ceremony will be held in Bengaluru on 20th May.
As he leaves from the residence of his brother & party MP DK Suresh, Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar speaks on his meeting with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi; says, "Nothing, no discussion. Just pranaam..."
Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar refuses to budge for the post of deputy chief minister during the meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge which has been for more than two and a half hours.
While the Congress party is yet to officially announce the name of the next Karnataka CM, the preparations for the swearing-in ceremony has already begun in Bengaluru.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala says deliberations are currently underway by Mallikarjun Kharge. "Whenever Congress makes a decision we will inform you. In the next 48-72 hours, we will have a new cabinet in Karnataka," he adds.
Sources tell ABP News that Congress leadership and Rahul Gandhi have offered DK Shivakumar the Deputy CM and PCC post along with six other portfolios which he has not agreed to yet.
After meeting the party leader Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakaumar arrives at the residence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge, in Delhi.
According to sources, Sonia Gandhi had spoken to DK Shivkumar and tried to convince him. She has told him that his loyalty will not go unrewarded.
BJP leader Dushyant Gautam speaks on Congress's CM crisis in Karnataka, says, "The Congress is wasting public’s time instead of working for them."
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar leaves from 10, Janpath after meeting with party's Rahul Gandhi, as Karnataka CM decision remains pending.
Supporters of Congress leader Siddaramaiah raise slogans outside his residence in Bengaluru amid speculations that he will be made the Karnataka CM.
The supporters also poured milk over his poster.
Outgoing Karnataka CM & BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai slams Congress for not taking a decision on CM post yet.
He said, "Congress is yet to finalise its CM candidate in spite of getting a majority. This shows the internal situation in the party. The aspirations of people are more important than politicking. Congress should choose a CM as soon as possible."
A photo opportunity will be held at Kharge's house in the afternoon after which all the leaders will come to Bengaluru by today evening. Following this, the formal announcement will be made in the meeting of the Legislature Party.
As sources say that Siddaramaiah's name has been finalised as the CM of Karnataka, another top contender DK Shivakumar has reached Sonia Gandhi's residence to meet Rahul Gandhi.
Siddaramaiah is likely to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister tomorrow, say sources. Suspense continues over the participation of DK Shivakumar in the oath-taking ceremony.
Congress leader Siddaramaiah leaves from Sonia Gandhi's 10, Janpath residence after meeting party leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi.
Karnataka chief ministerial aspirant Siddaramaiah meets Rahul Gandhi amid hectic parleys in the party to name its CM face in the state. Karnataka Congress chief D K Shivakumar also likely to meet Rahul Gandhi later in the day.
Karnataka Congress working president Eshwar Khandare says, "I met the party's national president Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed the recent developments in Karnataka...Only high command will decide, we are 100 per cent united; Decision may be by today evening."
Congress leader Siddaramaiah arrives at 10, Janpath to meet party leader Rahul Gandhi as the suspense continues over Karnataka CM post
Congress MLA HC Balakrishna says DK Shivakumar should be made the CM, adding, "DK Shivakumar has done his job as the KPCC President and got Congress back to power. He should be made the chief minister."
Congress leader Siddaramaiah on his way to meet party's national president Malliakrjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, as a decision on Karnataka CM remains pending.
Dr. G Parameshwara, Cong leader on Karnataka CM post:
"It's natural for dalits voting for Congress to ask for representation. Everyone in the party high command knows me. If there's a situation where Dr Parameshwara has to be made (CM), then they'll make it. I won't lobby."
"Maybe by today evening," says Karnataka Congress Working President Eshwar Khandre in response to media queries on the announcement of the name of the new CM.
Karnataka Congress working president Eshwar Khandare and other MLAs continue to arrive at Sonia Gandhi's residence at 10, Janpath for a meeting with the party's top leadership on the selection of Karnataka CM.
As the Karnataka CM tussle hangs in the air, both contenders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are likely to meet Rahul Gandhi today.
Siddaramaiah may meet Gandhi at around 11:30 AM while Shivakumar likely to meet him at 12 noon.
Siddaramaiah will be meeting Rahul Gandhi today to discuss the ongoing CM crisis. Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar is also likely to meet party president Mallikarjun Kharge today.
A big allegation has been levelled against Siddaramaiah by ex-BJP Health Minister Dr. Sudhakar K. He tweeted, "In 2018, whenever the MLAs went to Siddaramaiah, who was the Chairman of the Coordination Committee, to complain about the injustice being done to us in the then JDS-Congress coalition government, he used to say that nothing is happening in this government, in my constituency, in my district."
"He was assuring the MLAs that he would not allow this coalition government led by Kumaraswamy to remain for a single day after the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. To save the workers and leaders who believed in us in our constituencies, we took a big risk and resigned and once again got elected by the people and became ministers. Can Siddaramaiah deny that there was no direct or indirect role of him in our action?" he further said.
Amid suspense over Karnataka CM, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said, "Decision will come, wait. Good decision will come. It will come as soon as possible."
He said this while leaving from the residence of the party's national president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi.
Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain, while leaving party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence, says, "There was no meeting. These were courtesy calls. Both (DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah) met the national president, discussed everything that happened in the election & gave him feedback. Consultations are still on at the national level. These will continue tomorrow. As soon as a decision is made, we will tell you."
Top contender for the post of Karnataka chief minister, Siddaramaiah leaves Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence after meeting him.
Siddaramaiah arrives at Kharge's residence after Shivakumar left the venue following his meeting with the party president.
Siddaramaiah leaves from a private hotel in Delhi and is expected to meet Mallikarjun Kharge.
Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar after meeting Kharge leaves from the latter's residence.
DK Shivakumar arrives at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The announcement for the name of next Karnataka chief minister is likely to be made later this evening.
“Both the leaders (DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah) are important and none of them can be left behind. It is for the AICC to decide what kind of arrangement they make for them,” says Congress leader KH Muniyappa.
AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal arrives at Rahul Gandhi’s residence in Delhi.
"...High Command has taken the opinions of all the representatives. The High Command and the senior leaders will sit together and they will finalise. Congress is a 100-year-old party. We have seen such things many times. This is a small matter for the party to solve and they will solve it. Don't worry," says Karnataka Congress leader UT Khader.
As he leaves for Mallikarjun Kharge's residence, DK Shivakumar says "my mother is my party, we have built this party" and reiterates that he has all 135 MLAs with him.
DK Shivakumar will meet Mallikarjun Kharge at 5 pm today after which is expected that the name of the next Karnataka CM will be announced by today evening.
Supporters of Congress leader G Parameshwara staged a protest demanding CM post for him in Karnataka's Tumakuru.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has left party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's Delhi residence.
DK Shivakumar will soon be reached Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence amid rising suspense over CM. He has reached his brother DK Suresh's residence in Delhi.
Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar arrives in Delhi from Bengaluru. He will meet party high command amid talks to decide the next chief minister of Karnataka.
“The decision (on new Karnataka CM) will be taken in a democratic manner,” says Congress leader Pramod Tiwari as he arrives at party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi.
Rahul Gandhi reaches Kharge's Residence in Delhi from the back gate as suspense continues over Karnataka Chief Minister.
When asked about the announcement on Karnataka CM, observer Deepak Bawaria said, "Hopefully by this evening. The report has been submitted."
K C Venugopal, B K Hariprasad, Dr Nasir Hussain, Deepak Babaria are meeting Kharge at his residence amid the Karnataka CM crisis.
Newly elected Karnataka Congress MLAs arrived at the residence of party national president Mallikarjun Kharge amid ongoing talks in the party for the next Karnataka CM. Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar will also be coming to Delhi to discuss the ongoing issue.
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar's brother, DK Suresh has said that the party high command will decide who will be the chief minister of the state.
He said, "DK Shivkumar will come to Delhi by 2-2:30 pm. After that, there will be a meeting with the high command and other leaders...Kharge ji, Sonia ji, and everyone will discuss. The people of Karnataka have blessed the Congress."
As per sources, internal discussions within the party leaders will go on and once the decision is made, senior leaders will meet Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar first.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge will meet the two and only after that an announcement will be made, which is likely by today evening
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar arrives at Bengaluru airport as he leaves for Delhi amid ongoing talks in the Congress party for the next Karnataka CM.
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar is to arrive in Delhi today.
Before leaving, he said, "Winning 20 seats (in Lok Sabha polls) is our next challenge...Ours is a united house, our number is 135. I don't want to divide anyone here. Whether they like me or not, I am a responsible man. I will not backstab and I will not blackmail."
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar to today go to Delhi amid a cliffhanger regarding the decision on Karnataka CM. While Congress leader Siddaramaiah arrived in Delhi yesterday, Shivakumar stayed in Bengaluru due to a stomach infection, reports ANI.
The central observers of Congress for Karnataka have submitted their report to party president Mallikarjun Kharge who will consult UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party leader Rahul Gandhi to arrive at a final decision, party sources said earlier on Monday, reported ANI.
"The name of the next Karnataka CM will be announced in the coming 24 hours," they said.
The three central observers submit their report on the opinion of Karnataka MLAs for the name of chief minister to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, reports ANI.
DK Shivakumar says he is "happy" that Mamata Banerjee has come out with some statement referring to her remark of supporting Congress "where it is strong".
"I'm really happy that today Mamata Banerjee has come out with some statement & various other leaders as well...it is good for the opposition," he says.
"I'll try to go to Delhi tomorrow...The party high command will take a call. We all are one and we will work together," says DK Shivakumar.
"The opinion (of MLAs) has been collected. I don't know about the results. It is confidential," says Congress leader H K Patil.
Senior Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay reaches Hotel ITC Maurya in Delhi to meet Siddaramaiah.
DK Shivakumar cancels his visit to Delhi citing stomach infection.
"I've a stomach infection and will not be travelling to Delhi today."
"There are 135 Congress MLAs. I don't have any MLAs. I've left the decision to the party high command," he adds.
Central observer Sushil Kumar Shinde reaches Kharge's residence in Delhi after Jitender Singh. They will submit their report on the individual opinions of newly elected Congress MLAs in Karnataka after the legislators unanimously decided to let Kharge decide the name of next CM of Karnataka.
Jitender Singh, one of the Congress central observers for Karnataka reaches Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in Delhi
The three observers Sushil Kumar Shinde, Jitendra Singh, and Deepak Babaria will meet Mallikarjun Kharge in the evening today.
It's my birthday today, I'll meet my family. Afterward, I'll leave for Delhi. Under my leadership, we've 135 MLAs, all in one voice said-matter (to appoint CM) is to be left to the party's high command. My aim was to deliver Karnataka &I did it, says Karnataka Congres Pres DK Shivakumar
Siddaramaiah reaches Delhi along with his son Yathindra, MLA and Lingayat leader MB Patil, and MLA Zameer Ahmed.
After Siddaramaiah leaves for Delhi, DK Shivakumar will also visit Delhi this evening.
Siddaramaiah on Monday left for Delhi along with some Congress MLAs.
According to ABP News sources, Dalit, minority, tribal, and OBC Congress MLAs are in favour of Siddaramaiah. Many MLAs have decided to go with whatever the party's top leadership decides.
Congress leader Siddaramaiah is to today come to New Delhi amid discussions in the party to decide the next Karnataka CM, as reported by the news agency ANI.
Siddaramaiah has an edge in the opinion poll of MLAs, according to ABP News sources.
All three supervisors and in-charge left for Delhi.
AICC observers to today return to Delhi from Karnataka, as reported by ANI.
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar meets his supporters who gathered at his residence to wish him his birthday today. On being asked about his Delhi visit today, he said that he has not yet decided whether to go. "Still haven't decided whether to go or not," DK Shivakumar said.
All the procedures of the Congress Legislature Party meeting have been completed. The observers met all the MLAs separately and recorded their views. Now they will submit their report to the Congress leadership and after that, we will announce the next leader of the Congress Legislature Party: Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, Bengaluru.
Randeep Singh Surjewala says: "Siddaramaiah, moved the single-line resolution authorising AICC president to appoint a new leader of CLP party and 135 Cong MLAs proceeded to unanimously approve his resolution. It was endorsed by DK Shivakumar also... Cong Gen Secy KC Venugopal informed Kharge about the resolutions and Kharge then instructed KC Venugopal that the 3 senior observers must take individual opinions of each legislature and convey them to the high command."
"This process of taking the opinion of the MLAs will be completed tonight itself," says Venugopal.
"Like Randeep Singh Surjewala said, this is a unanimous resolution moved by Siddaramaiah and supported by DK Shivakumar and all the senior leaders."
"The party high command will take a decision (on the new CM) very soon," says Congress general secretary KC Venugopal in after the CLP meet.
Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar will visit Delhi to meet high command as the CLP unanimously decides to authorise Kharge on deciding name of next chief minister.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will meet with MLAs one-on-one before final decision on the name of next Karnataka CM, sources tell ABP Live.
Siddaramaiah is said to be leading the race for the next chief minister of Karnataka as he has got support of 75 MLAs, while DK Shivakumar is being supported by 40 legislators, as per sources.
Today's CLP meeting is not being attended by all the newly elected Congress MLAs, as per sources.
Supporters of Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar raise slogans
Supporters of Siddaramaiah chant slogans outside Shangri-La hotel as the leaders attend CLP meeting
Congress Legislature Party has unanimously decided to leave the selection of the Congress Legislature Party leader to the decision of the AICC President
Meeting of Congress legislators starts at Bengaluru's Shangri-La hotel.
"It is going to be a tough choice as people have worked in different capacities, but it is a good problem to have," says Congress leader Priyank Kharge in response to media queries on who will be the next CM.
Supporters of Congress leader Siddaramaiah raise slogans outside Shangri-La Hotel in Bengaluru, reports PTI.
"The High Command will take opinions of the MLAs and then Congress chief will consult senior leaders to make a decision (on who will be the CM)," says Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy.
One of the CLP meeting observers and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde reaches Shangri-La hotel.
The role of AICC observers is vital in communicating the viewpoints of Congress MLAs in Karnataka to the party's high command with regards to the appointment of their new chief minister, said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar arrives at Shangri-la Hotel in Bengaluru for CLP meeting
Front-runner in the race for the next Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah arrives at Shangri-La hotel for CLP meeting.
The newly elected Congress MLAs in Karnataka arrive at Bengaluru's Shangri-La hotel for the CLP meeting.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole says, "Whoever becomes the Chief Minister of Karnataka, we will facilitate him in our 'Vajramuth' rally that will be held in Pune."
"The people of Karnataka elected Congress. This shows that they are against PM Narendra Modi & HM Amit Shah. In Maharashtra too, a corrupt government is in power, so in the upcoming elections, we will win Maharashtra too."
Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, appointed as CLP observer, says he thanks the people of Karnataka for their "effort to save democracy."
Huge number of supporters gather outside the residence of Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru and raise slogans of 'We want DK Shivakumar as CM'
Mallikarjun Kharge interacts with the party workers in Delhi.
Mallikarjun Kharge says there is no controversy in the selection of the next CM of Karnataka.
DK Shivakumar has the support of 68 MLAs while Siddaramaiah is backed by 59 legislators in the race for next Karnataka CM, as per ABP News sources. G Parameshwara has got the support of 8 MLAs, sources say.
Ahead of the CLP meeting Mallikarjun Kharge says the meeting will be held today and will hand over the report to the high command after which the high command will take its time to declare the name of the CM.
People of Karnataka have rejected BJP and brought the Congress party back to power. People have given us a record number of votes. We will implement all 5 promises that we made to the public in our manifesto after we form our cabinet, says Mallikarjun Kharge.
Mallikarjun Kharge arrives in Delhi ahead of the CLP meeting.
Ahead of the CLP meeting, Kharge says, "Our observers have gone to Bengaluru, there will be a CLP meeting once they reach. After the CLP meet, they will share their opinion with the high command, and then they (high command) will send their decision from here."
Randeep Singh Surjewala, AICC in-charge of Karnataka says Lata Mallikarjun, Independent MLA from Harpanhalli Assembly and daughter of veteran Congress Leader and Ex Deputy CM, Late MP Prakash has extended "unconditional support" to Congress. "She has extended unconditional support to the Congress Party in Karnataka considering her ideological roots and commitment to Congress ideals. I thank her, her husband Sh. Mallikarjun and all the supporters and well-wishers. We will serve the 6.5 Crore Kannadigas together," tweets Surjewala.
"Bajrang Dal is different and Bajrang Bali is different. Bajrang Dal believes in spreading the politics of hatred & violence...what Congress said in its manifesto is any organisation that breaks the law, spreads religious hatred, religious bigotry, spreads communal violence will be dealt with according to the law & constitution," says Jairam Ramesh.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi reacts to Karnataka election results, says, "I hope that Congress fulfils the promises it made to the people of Karnataka."
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh says that the agenda for winning was set from Bharat Jodo Yatra.
"The agenda was set from the Bharat Jodo Yatra in October last year when Rahul Gandhi spent 22 days in Karnataka," he said on party's poll victory.
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar says, "Some people say that I have differences with Siddaramaiah but I want to clear that there is no difference between us. Many times I have sacrificed for the party and stood with Siddaramaiah ji. I have given cooperation to Siddaramaiah."
CLP meeting today at 6 pm. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge spoke to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on the CM issue and sought their advice.
Congress President has deputed Sushil Kumar Shinde (Former Chief Minister, Maharashtra), Bhanwar Jitendra Singh (AICC GS) and Deepak Babaria (former AICC GS) as observers for the election of the CLP Leader of Karnataka.
Observers will be present in the Congress Legislative party meeting today and will submit the report to the party high command.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge leaves from his residence for airport in Bengaluru.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Karnataka Elections Results:
"We had an informal meeting with our president and we have discussed certain issues and we'll shortly call elected representatives and the people who contested. We will have in-depth analysis and do the correction course to come back to power in the Lok Sabha election," he said.
He added, "The state president Nalin Kateel will not step down. Today, some MLAs were present at the state BJP office. We accepted our defeat humbly. This is not PM Modi's defeat, he is a national leader. The Congress leadership has lost in the entire country."
Karnataka CM Update:
Congress MLA M B Patil said, "There is no CM race, there is no deputy CM race. Everything will be decided in Congress legislature party meeting and by the Congress high command."
Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain, "CM's will be announced within 2-3 days, and we are also preparing for the cabinet to be formed as soon as possible."
Congress leader Siddaramaiah leaves from Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in Bengaluru.
Congress MLA Priyank Kharge says the meeting of MLAs at Kharge's house is a courtesy call, not a political meet.
"It was a courtesy call between the AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Siddaramaiah, this was not a political meeting. CLP meeting will take place where the final decision for the CM will be taken," he added.
Congress leaders Bhai Jagtap, Sanjay Nirupam and other party workers recite 'Hanuman Chalisa' at a temple in Mumbai following the party's victory in Karnataka.
Karnataka Congress MLAs including Dinesh Gundu Rao, Rizwan Arshad, Puttaranga Shetty C and Satish Jarkiholi met party leader Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru today ahead of the party's CLP meeting.
Congress MLA Priyank Kharge, Siddaramaiah arrive at the residence of party national president Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru.
Political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla speaks on Karnataka election results.
He says, "What worked for Congress was that it has found a template to win state polls against BJP. The BJP's campaigns depend on PM Modi, talks about national and big issues, and Congress needs to focus on state issues which it focused on.
Advising that Congress should refrain from reacting to certain issues, Poonawalla said that Satypal Malik's interview on Pulwama came during the election period and the party did not divert from the core state issues.
He also advised Congress to use Priyanka Gandhi more and more, adding, "Prime Minister attacks Congress, Rahul ji and Sonia ji but he has not been able to attack Priyanka Gandhi..."
Poonawlla said that Priyanka Gandhi has an X-factor and Congress should focus on using her, state issues and national issues of economy and job.
Shiv Sena Uddhav Thackeray faction leader Sanjay Raut said that Karnataka has shown that people can defeat dictatorship.
"Congress won which means Bajrang Bali is with Congress and not BJP. Our Home Minister (Amit Shah) was saying that if BJP loses, there will be riots. Karnataka is calm and happy. Where are the riots?" he added.
"In today's (CLP) meeting, the high command will consider everyone's opinion and deliver a decision based on the consensus reached," says Congress leader Sharan Prakash Patil in response to media queries on the next CM of Karnataka.
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari opens on CM face for Karnataka, says, "The elected members will choose their leader (chief minister) in the meeting (CLP meet). This has been a tradition and rule in the Congress."
Karnataka Congress working president Ramalinga Reddy speaks on Karnataka CM candidate. He says, "In every party, ambitions will be there. Not only DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah even MB Patil and G Parameshwara are also interested. Only one will become CM & the party's high command & MLAs will decide that. I will get minister (post)."
Vokkaliga Seers from Hariharapura mutt, in Kanakpura reach the residence of Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru.
Congress leader Siddaramaiah leaves from his residence Bengaluru.
After Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar's supporters put up a poster outside his residence in Bengaluru, demanding him to be declared as "CM" of the state.
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar said that he had quoted that Congress will get 136 seats in the assembly polls. Meanwhile, the leader is going to Nonavinakere to meet his spiritual guru, Ajjayya.
Security deployment outside Congress leader Siddaramaiah's residence in Bengaluru.
Day after Congress reclaims Karnataka from the hands of the BJP, supporters of senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah have put up a poster outside his residence in Bengaluru, referring to him as "the next CM of Karnataka."
Background
Karnataka Govt Formation Highlights: The Congress party on Thursday announced that Siddaramaiah will be made the CM of Karnataka while DK Shivakumar will be the only deputy CM. The party said that Shivakuamr will remain state Congress chief till the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Ending days of suspense, the Congress on Thursday announced Siddaramaiah as the next chief minister of Karnataka and D K Shivakumar as his only deputy in the soon-to-formed cabinet. The two leaders, who were in a tight race for the top post, would take oath along with other ministers on May 20 and leaders of all like-minded parties will be invited for the swearing-in ceremony.
Announcing the decision taken by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge after hectic parleys ever since the party emerged victorious on May 13, General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal said all leaders, including the top leadership, worked very hard to make Karnataka victory a reality. We have decided on Siddaramaiah as the chief minister of Karnataka.
DK Shivakumar will be the only Deputy CM, he said. Shivakumar will also continue as the party's Karnataka state president till Parliamentary elections, he said. At the same press conference, senior party leader Randeep Surjewala said the Congress party is committed to fulfil the five promises that were made during the elections.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted a photo with Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar - showing that issue is at last resolved. Posting a photo with the two Congress leaders with hands raised as a symbol to show they are together, Kharge said that team Congress is committed to usher progress and that they will implement the five guarantees 'promised to 6.5 Cr Kannadigas'.
Asked about the much-talked-about power-sharing formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, Venugopal said the only power-sharing formula is to share the power with the people of Karnataka.
Ours is a democratic party, we believe in consensus and not in dictatorship, he said on the hectic discussions held over the last few days.
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