• Source:JND

Karnataka Chief Minister Post: The Congress has not officially declared the name of the next Karnataka chief minister, after its experienced leader, Siddaramaiah, stepped down, marking an end to the power tussle with his deputy DK Shivakumar. Though Shivakumar is the front-runner for the CM post, Congress' silence on the name of the next chief minister created suspense. State Home Minister G Parameshwara is also in the race for the top job.

Earlier in the day, CM Siddaramaiah tendered his resignation to Prabhu Shankar, Special Secretary to the Karnataka Governor, at the Lok Bhavan. His resignation is likely to be accepted in the next few hours, as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is in Indore.

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No Interest In National Politics: Siddaramaiah

Siddaramaiah also put an end to the speculation over his next move, saying the Congress had offered him a Rajya Sabha seat, but he turned down the party's request as he has no interest in national politics.

Addressing a press conference after visiting the Lok Bhavan, he said the high command directed him two days ago to step down; accordingly, he submitted his resignation. A senior Congress leader said that he was asked to move to the Rajya Sabha, an offer which he rejected. "They asked me to go to Rajya Sabha, I have politely told them no, saying I want to remain in state politics and I am not interested in national politics," the Karnataka CM said.

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Who Will Be Next Chief Minister?

However, when asked about the next chief minister during a press conference later, Siddaramaiah said, "Whoever the legislature party and the high command decide will be the chief minister of the state."
Asked about Shivakumar becoming chief minister, his brother and former Congress MP DK Suresh said, "Let us wait for the party's decision." The Congress is likely to declare the name of the next chief minister after consultation with the state's senior leaders. Aiming for party unity, the name of the CM is likely to be announced by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi or party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who hails from Karnataka, in New Delhi.

Shivakumar Leaves For Delhi

Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar left for New Delhi on Thursday evening to meet the Congress high command, hours after Siddaramaiah also set out for the national capital to meet the Congress leadership. Shivakumar will arrive in Delhi tonight, while his return journey has been kept open-ended.

New Cabinet, State Unit Chief On Agendas

Party sources said discussions regarding the selection of the new Congress Legislature Party leader, the composition of the new ministry and other organisational matters, including the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president's post currently held by Shivakumar, were likely to take place during the Delhi visit. They said clarity on these issues was expected within a day or two.

(With PTI inputs)

 


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