The deliberations over who will helm the Karnataka government will continue on Tuesday too, as one of the front-runners, D K Shivakumar, will fly to Delhi on Tuesday. Though the AICC leadership had called him to the national capital on Monday, he opted not to go citing health issues.
Amid speculations that the party High Command may pick him for the coveted post, Siddaramaiah opted to remain tight-lipped. The 75-year-old leader refused to answer queries regarding the top post on Monday, stating "Let’s wait and see…I don’t know…"
However, Shivakumar cancelled his visit to Delhi on Monday, citing ill health. "I have some problem in my stomach. The doctor is coming in 10 minutes. It's burning. It looks like some infection and I have a fever..... please let me be free...," he told reporters.
However, Shivakumar's brother and Congress MP D K Suresh met party president Kharge at the latter's residence in Delhi late on Monday. "I have met the AICC chief. I meet him whenever I come to Delhi. The same way I met him today. Our AICC general secretaries will let you know about other issues," Suresh told reporters.
Suresh, however, confirmed to reporters that Shivakumar would be coming to Delhi on Tuesday.
Shivakumar had earlier claimed that he had the support of all MLAs as the election was won under his presidency. "Sonia Gandhi told me, 'I have confidence in you that you will deliver Karnataka'. I am sitting here, doing my regular responsibility. You should have the basic courtesy, a bit of gratitude. They should have the courtesy to acknowledge who is behind the win," he told NDTV in an exclusive interview.
On whether his move would be seen as a rebellion, Shivakumar said he was not someone who would blackmail. "Don't perceive anything. I have my own presence of mind. I am not a child. I won't fall into a trap", he added.
However, party sources said it will not be "blackmailed" by anyone and that all MLAs belong to the Congress and not any individual.
The Congress top brass is likely to reach a decision today. Congress leader HK Patil said on Monday, "In my view, it (the name of the next Karnataka CM) will be decided by tomorrow evening. Our process is still on."
AICC in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala too said the decision would come soon. "Congress party will stand up to the pledge made to 6.5 crore Kannadigas…the observers have submitted their written report to the Congress President…he will look into the report, will hold deliberations with state leaders & other central leaders and will take an appropriate call," he told the reporters.
While Siddaramaiah is a leader with mass appeal, is popular among all sections and has the experience of running a government of a full five-year term from 2013-18, Shivakumar has strong organisational capabilities, is considered resourceful and Congress' troubleshooter during tough times and has the backing of the dominant Vokkaliga community, its influential seers and leaders.
