Congress in confusion: Shivakumar or Siddaramaiah, Decision not sealed

Digital Desk, NE Post: After its historic victory in the Karnataka Assembly elections, the Congress now faces a new problem. The problem is the next Chief Ministerial election. Three days after the election results, the Congress high command has yet to take a final decision on the name of the Chief Minister. On one side is DK Sivakumar, who emerged as the hero of the party's victory as Karnataka state president, and on the other side is former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has more experience and support from MLAs. If the Congress does not take the right decision, a situation like Rajasthan could arise in Karnataka. At such times, perhaps the party high command should tell DK Sivakumar that he still has time. In such circumstances, he can be given a chance in two and a half years or later. Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are bidding for the Karnataka chief ministerial post but depending on sources, Siddaramaiah is leading. The Congress will decide on the formula for forming a government in Karnataka.

According to the information so far, Siddaramaiah could be appointed as the Chief Minister again. DK Shivakumar will be given the post of Deputy Chief Minister. DK Shivakumar will also have the responsibility of the party in the state, which means he will also be the state Congress president. However, the decision has to be taken by Mallikarjun Kharge. Earlier, Congress central observers sought their views on the post of Chief Minister at a meeting of the Congress Assembly party on Sunday. Separate oral discussions were held with the MLAs. In parallel, secret ballots were held for the legislators. The three central observers arrived in New Delhi on Monday with secret slips of the MLAs and briefed party president Mallikarjun Kharge on their views.