As suspense continues over who is chosen as the Karnataka Chief Minister between DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge, workers protested outside the party office in Bengaluru demanding party chief Mallikarjun Kharge be made the chief minister. One of the workers said, "The Congress never had a Dalit chief minister in Karnataka." This comes as the top rung of the party has been holding back-to-back meetings over the Karnataka CM announcement with both contenders Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah in the national capital. According to sources Sidddaramaiah would most likely be declared as the Karnataka CM.
Earlier sources told ABP News that Siddaramaiah will be made the CM of Karnataka and is most likely to take oath on Thursday. Police officials were seen inspecting Bengaluru's Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, where the swearing-in ceremony of the new Karnataka government is likely to be held, reported ANI.
Sources also said that the 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. Meanwhile, after meeting the party leader Rahul Gandhi, DK Shivakaumar arrived at the residence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge ahead of the announcement on Karnataka CM.
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 Slams Congress For Delay In Decision On Karnataka CM
Amid the ongoing crisis, outgoing Karnataka CM and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai lashed out at Congress for not taking a decision on the 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."
BJP leader Dushyant Gautam said that the Congress is wasting the "public’s time instead of working for them".