DK Shivakumar emerges as strong contender for Karnataka CM, says ‘sacrificed several times’

Bengaluru: The Congress leadership in Karnataka is grappling with the issue of choosing between two important contenders for the next chief minister of the state.

Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are equally towering and influential in the state congress with legions of die-hard followers, who have started pitching in for their leaders’ efforts by putting up posters.

It was only yesterday, senior Congress leader K C Venugopal said the choice of the leader will be sorted out between the two state leaders, which in effect means the central leadership is short of any pliable solution.

Adding to the confusion, state Congress chief DK Shivakumar on Sunday said he had ‘ sacrificed several times’, meaning he is no more willing to give in.

Shivakumar on Sunday paid a visit to the Siddaganga Mutt in Tumkur, the religious centre of Lingayat community, which is believed to have played critical role in the Congress’ win.

Shivakumar told the media following the visit that he had no difference with Siddaramaiah, adding that he had sacrificed for the party and stood with Siddaramaiah.

The meeting of the newly elected legislators on Sunday has not opened any leeway for the question of finding the next chief minister.

Both the leaders have been asked to wait until the central leadership sorts out the imbroglio own its own.

The team of the observers, appointed by the central leadership, will hold discussions in the national capital with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Rahul Gandhi.

Meanwhile, lobbying by the two camps for their respective leaders has already set in.

On Saturday, posters appeared outside Shivakumar's residence in Bengaluru greeting him as ‘the new chief minister of Karnataka’ alongside wishing him in advance for his birthday on May 15.

Posters were put up outside Siddaramaiah's residence in Bengaluru describing him as the ‘next CM of Karnataka’.