Karnataka Live Updates: Congress may announce the name of the next Karnataka chief minister today.
The suspense over the Karnataka Chief Minister's post after the Congress's emphatic victory last week appears headed towards a conclusion, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge meeting the two contenders -- DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah -- this evening. The meetings, though, were inconclusive. Mr Kharge is trying to strike a balance and another round of meeting will be held tomorrow, sources said.
Mr Shivakumar is locked in an intense power struggle with Mr Siddaramaiah over who will lead the government, after the Congress stormed to power by winning 135 seats in the May 10 elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly.
Amid speculations about the number of MLAs supporting him and Mr Siddaramaiah for the post, Mr Shivakumar on Monday said his strength is 135, as it was under his leadership, the party won 135 seats.
Here are the Highlights on the Karnataka government formation:
No Announcement Today On Karnataka Chief Minister
The Congress will not announce today its decision on who will be the Karnataka Chief Minister. The announcement will be made tomorrow as the party is yet to decide whether the announcement should be made from Delhi or Bengaluru.
What Happened At The Meeting Between DK Shivakumar And M Kharge
Sources say, DK Shivakumar, in meeting with party chief M Kahrge, said he would like to be the Chief Minister. They also discussed government formation in Karnataka, sources added.
DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah's One-On-One With Congress Chief Amid Tussle The Karnataka suspense over the Chief Minister's post after the Congress's emphatic victory appears headed towards a conclusion with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge scheduling meetings with the two contenders this evening. The meeting with state party chief DK Shivakumar is currently on. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is next in line -- their meeting is due at 6.30 pm. Read
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DK Shivakumar Arrives At Congress Chief's Residence In DelhiFor that all important discussion over who will be Karnataka Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar arrived at Congress chief's residence in Delhi. Siddaramaiah, the other contender, will also be meeting M Kharge today.
DK Shivakumar Or Siddaramaiah? Congress's Big DilemmaThe choice of the Chief Minister is likely to be a delicate balancing act for the Congress party, as it has to consider factors such as caste, region and seniority. DK Shivakumar belongs to the influential Vokkaliga community, which dominates southern Karnataka, while Siddaramaiah is a Kuruba, a backward caste group that has a sizable presence in central and northern Karnataka.
While Mr Shivakumar, the Congress's chief troubleshooter, has not made any bones about rescuing it out of prickly crises, Siddaramaiah, a former Chief Minister, has declared this was his last election. Both leaders also command legions of supporters who have been lobbying for their candidature.
Amid Siddaramaiah-DK Shivakumar Tussle, New Claims For Chief Minister PostSupporters of veteran Congress leader G Parameshwara held a demonstration, demanding that the Dalit leader be chosen for the Chief Minister post. At the gathering in Tumkur, placards reading "a Dalit should be CM" were waved. Read
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Haven't Resigned As Karnataka Congress Chief: DK Shivakumar
Ahead of his meeting with Congress chief M Kharge, DK Shivakumar, in an intense tussle with party veteran Siddaramaiah as to who will occupy the top Karnataka post, dismissed rumours that he has resigned as state party chief.
"This Is My Party, 135 MLAs Mine Too": DK Shivakumar
"I will meet Congress national president Khargi ji and other senior leaders. This is my party and the 135 MLAs are mine too," said DK Shivakumar.
Congress Chief M Kharge To Meet DK Shivakumar Shortly
Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar is likely to meet party chief Mallikarjun Karge shortly while senior leader Siddharamaiah may meet him around 6 pm. Both the leaders are aspirants for the Karnataka Chief Minister's post.
"No Delay Here, BJP Takes 10 Days To Announce Chief Minister": Congress Leader
"Both the sides are holding talks. There is no delay. The BJP takes 10 days to announce their Chief Minister, and it has been only two days for us. Wait till tomorrow, a decision will be taken with everyone's consent. We will give a good government," said Saleem Ahamed, Karnataka Congress working president.
Karnataka Chief Minister Race: DK Shivakumar Arrives In Delhi
DK Shivakumar arrived in the national capital Tuesday afternoon. After arriving at Delhi airport, he did not speak to the media and walked away with folded hands parrying a barrage of questions from reporters.
Rahul Gandhi Visits Mallikarjun Kharge's Residence For Meeting Amid a race for the Karnataka chief minister's post, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and is reported to have held discussions over government formation in the southern state.
Mr Gandhi drove to Mr Kharge's residence and held a closed-door meeting with the Congress chief. Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala, who is in charge of the party's affairs in Karnataka, was also present at the meeting.
Congress President To Meet DK Shivakumar And Siddaramaiah Later Today
Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal are currently holding talks on the Karnataka chief minister issue. Mr Kharge will then hold talks with both Mr Shivakumar and Mr Siddaramaiah.
Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge To Meet Rahul Gandhi Shortly
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will soon meet Rahul Gandhi to discuss the formation of the government in Karnataka. The party is yet to announce a chief minister pick after an emphatic victory in the state assembly polls.
Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar Both Claim To Have MLAs Support
Siddaramaiah, 75, is a former Chief Minister and Mr Shivakumar, 61, is the party's Karnataka chief. Both claim to have a majority of MLAs backing their claim to the chief minister's post.
"Mother Will Give All": DK Shivakumar Amid Congress Chief Minister DilemmaCongress leader DK Shivakumar made it clear today that he would not back down in a tense rivalry with Siddaramaiah over the Karnataka chief minister's post after the party's big win in the state on Saturday. But he said he would not resort to "backstabbing or blackmail", regardless of the party's decision.
Without The Party, Everyone Is Zero: DK Shivakumar
Before leaving for Delhi, Mr Shivakumar told reporters that he is where he is today because of Congress. "Without the party, everyone is zero," he said.
DK Shivakumar leaves for Delhi, says he was asked to come alone
Karnataka Congress chief D K Shivakumar, engaged in an intense competition with Siddaramaiah over the post of Chief Minister, left for Delhi on Tuesday morning.
"Congress party General Secretary has instructed me to come alone, I'm going to Delhi alone. My health is good," Shivakumar told reporters outside his residence before leaving for the airport.
DK Shivakumar To Be In Delhi Today
Karnataka state chief DK Shivakumar will be in Delhi today to discuss the issue of government formation in the state with the party's central leadership.