Amid uncertainty over the new Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress state unit cheif DK Shivakumar is currently meeting Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Kharge will hold a similar meeting with former Karnataka Cheif Minister Siddaramaiah at around 6:30 pm, according to NDTV.
Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah are the front-runners to be the Chief Minister of Karnataka. The name has not been finalised so far as both have staked claim to the post. Earlier, a resolution passed by the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Bengaluru on Sunday authorised Kharge to finalise the next CM of Karnataka.
In Karnataka assembly elections, the Congress won 135 of the 224 seats, reducing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to just 66 seats.
Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah were both called to Delhi on Monday. While Siddaramaiah reached Delhi on Monday, Shivakumar arrived today. He had cancelled the visit on Monday after citing a health issue.
Here is all we know so far of the developments over Karnataka's next leader.
No one willing to back down
Neither Shivakumar nor Siddaramaiah is willing to back down, according to a report.
"Mr Shivakumar has made it clear that he would not back down in the tense rivalry with Siddaramaiah. But he said he would not resort to "backstabbing or blackmail", regardless of the party's decision. He also ruled out quitting," reported NDTV.
While Siddaramaiah is influential among a bloc of socially backward groups and minorities, Shivakumar has sway among the electorally significant Vokkaligas.
Meanwhile, a group representing Lingayats has also staked claim to the post of the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
In a letter addressed to Kharge, the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha pointed out that 34 of the 46 Lingayat leader fielded by the Congress have won, reported NDTV.
"We now urge the Congress party to give a chance/consider (a) Veerashaiva Lingayat community leader for the post of Chief Minister," said the letter.
We are a united house: Shivakumar
Amid a tussle for the post of the chief minister, Shivakumar said party is "god" for him and that he would not backstab anyone.
Shivakumar also ruled out any chance of quitting the party over any issue, in an apparent response to concerns or questions whether he would quit if not made CM.
"The party is my god...We have built this party, I am a part of it and I am not alone in this...If the party wants, they can give me the responsibility... Ours is a united house, our number is 135. I don't want to divide anyone here. Whether they like me or not, I am a responsible man. I will not backstab and I will not blackmail," said Shivakumar, as per NDTV.
