Siddaramaiah or Shivakumar on CM’s chair? Crucial meet in Delhi, likely to be announced today

NEW DELHI: After the thumping victory in Karnataka, the Congress is meeting in New Delhi to choose the chief minister. State chief D K Shivakumar and senior leader Siddaramaiah are in the fight for the post of chief minister. A team of observers appointed by the Congress met the newly-elected Karnataka MLAs and sought their opinion.

K C Venugopal and AICC observers will reach Delhi by noon. Then will hold discussions with the national leadership including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The new chief minister of Karnataka is likely to be announced by night.

There are reports that Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah will visit Delhi and meet the party leadership. Sources said both the leaders have been asked to wait and only come to Delhi if called by the party.

Meantime, Shivakumar said haven’t decided to go to Delhi. The final decision on the chief minister will be taken by the high command. Everything that needs to be done has been done and the people also supported us, he said in response to the question whether the high command will present the CM’s chair as birthday gift.

Reports are also coming that Siddaramaiah is ready to share the chief minister’s post. AICC sources indicate that Siddaramaiah proposed the formula of sharing the post for two years.