It's 'kaun banega mukhyamantri' in Karnataka Congress as Shivkumar, Siddaramaiah begin lobbying

New Delhi: The much-awaited question "kaun banega mukhyamantri" in Karnataka is already being discussed in Congress. 

The grand old party is seemingly indulging in suicidal behaviour ahead of the crucial polling for Karnataka Assembly elections as the two senior most leaders of the grand old party, PCC chief DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister and leader of the Opposition of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah, have begun lobbying for the Chief Minister's post without even securing the magical numbers yet.

The senior leadership of the Congress is being wooed by the two leaders to secure the top job in the state, post the much-anticipated and widely-predicted electoral victory of the party in the state.

It is believed that Shivakumar hopes to be rewarded if the Congress comes to power. Interestingly, those close to Shivakumar, refer to him as CM aspirant rather than as PCC chief. Clearly indicating where the “aspirations” of their leader lie. 

Over the past few months, leading up to the Assembly polls, Shivakumar has carefully worked on his image as a troubleshooter for the Congress, being involved in managing crises in various states including Chhattisgarh or Rajasthan.

On the other hand, Siddaramaiah, the former Chief Minister has the advantage of past experience and is a shrewd politician. He also belongs to the backward Kuruba caste, while Shivakumar has openly displayed his Vokkalinga credentials.

At the end of the day the one who wields power over the MLAs is likely to get the high command support for the top job in the state, sources said.

The intense lobbying by the two factions has also shattered the illusion of a united Congress taking on the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Assembly polls. 

The party leadership has so far maintained an ambiguity over who will be the CM face of the Congress in case it secures victory in the polls. However, the moves by the two camps are creating trouble for the party which had hoped to keep this question unanswered till result day on May 13.

The lobbying attempts come even as Congress is desperate to win Karnataka Legislative Assembly polls to maintain its political relevance at the national level.

The central leadership of the Congress has pointed out to the state leadership that first they need to secure a majority in the 224-member Karnataka Legislative Assembly and only after the grand old party secures a victory a decision on the Chief Ministerial candidate will be taken by the high command.

Securing Karnataka is very important for the Congress as it prepares to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha poll battle. 

Karnataka may be the spark needed by the grand old party to turn around its fortunes and will provide a much-needed boost to the party leaders and cadre ahead of next year’s crucial general elections.

The 224-member Karnataka Legislative Assembly is scheduled for polls in a single phase on May 10 and the counting of votes will take place on May 13.

Karnataka was the first state to have elected a BJP government in South India and is considered to be immensely important for the saffron unit and the Congress is working overtime to snatch it away. Karnataka will be the only Congress government in south India if it secures the requisite numbers in the forthcoming polls.