Mangalore/Bangalore, May 09: Now that the Congress has secured an absolute majority, the race for the CM s gaddi has begun in the party. Though a few leaders have openly declared that they are aspirants for the post, a few others have decided to lobby in Delhi.
Prominent among those who are in the race are senior leader Siddaramaiah who has registered a thumping win from Varuna constituency and Union Labour Minister M Mallikarjuna Kharge. They have also openly said they are aspirants.
Kharge said that“he is not demanding the post because he is a Dalit. He had served the party for several years and in case the high command considers him eligible, it may choose him. Anyway he will honour any decision of the High Command,” added Kharge.
Siddaramaiah who joined the Congress party six years ago is another strong aspirant. However, everything depends on the decision of the high command and Congress Legislative party. Sixty four year old Siddaramaiah belongs to the Kuruba community and has remained taint-free so far. Though the Congress high command may consider this as his plus point, there is a chance of some Congressmen coming in his way stating he is a defector.
Seventy year old Kharge had won the Assembly election seven times. That he is a Dalit has added more weightage to his demand. He had won even the 2009 Lok Sabha elections and has a good rapport with national level Congress leaders.
Though KPCC President Dr G Parameshwar too was one of the strong aspirants, his defeat from Koratagere has come in the way of his aspiration. On the other hand, DK Shivakumar and Haliyala MLA RV Deshpande too have said they are in the race.
There is even a possibility of Union Petroleum Minister Veerappa Moily and Rajya Sabha Member Oscar Fernandez too lobbying at Delhi to grab the coveted post.
Source: EN
