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Bengaluru: The tussle for the next Karnataka Chief Minister doesn’t seem to be ending. Besides incumbent CM DK Shivakumar, several other names have surfaced, making the situation even more challenging for the party’s high command, especially if Siddaramaiah is asked to step down. The development has emerged amid growing buzz in Karnataka’s political circles about a possible change in the party’s leadership, as the state government nears the completion of 2.5 years. As part of the understanding reached after the 2023 Assembly elections, it may now be DK Shivakumar’s turn to be elevated as Chief Minister. However, DK Shivakumar is not the only person whose name is doing the rounds as a possible CM face in the party. Who Else May Be in Karnataka CM Race Besides DK Shivakumar? Last week, Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra hinted that Satish Jarkiholi, currently serving as Minister of Public Works Department in Karnataka, would be able to take on the responsibility and serve as a role model for Congress workers. Yathindra suggested Jarkiholi’s name, saying it is difficult to find a leader who is loyal to the ideology but he seems to be doing it. Now, besides DK Shivakumar and Jarkiholi, two more names have surfaced. First is TB Jayachandra, an MLA in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Jayachandra’s supporters feel he is a deserving candidate, and if he cannot become CM, he should at least be given a cabinet berth. Another name in the buzz is KH Muniyappa, a Dalit leader from the Caste Community. Muniyappa appears to be getting backing from none other than Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwara, who said he would be happy if Muniyappa is elected as CM, as he is very capable. The Congress High Command is yet to issue any clarification, and it seems the extent of political churn in Karnataka will only become clear after the Bihar elections. Why There is Tussle Over Karnataka CM? Speculation about a leadership change within the ruling Congress has persisted for some time, with reports suggesting an alleged power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. After May 2023 Karnataka election results, there was stiff competition between the two leaders for the top post. The Congress high command had eventually convinced Shivakumar to take up the post of deputy CM. At the time, reports indicated that a "rotational chief minister" arrangement had been agreed upon, under which Shivakumar would take over after two and a half years. However, the party has never officially confirmed this. What Siddaramaiah Says on Buzz over New Karnataka CM Amit the brewing buzz over a possible change of the Karnataka CM, incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that he would continue in office for the full five year term, subject to the Congress high command's decision. Amid the talk of a leadership change, Siddaramaiah has consistently reiterated that he will complete a full five-year term. Responding to a question on whether he would remain chief minister for five years, Siddaramaiah told reporters, "If the high command decides." Asked about his close confidant and former minister KN Rajanna's statement that Siddaramaiah should continue as CM for five years, he said, "It is his personal opinion". On multiple chief ministerial aspirants within the Congress, Siddaramaiah said, "In a democracy, we cannot tell those in the race not to compete. It is their right. Anyone may claim to be a chief ministerial candidate, but ultimately, the high command will decide." With inputs from PTI For all the latest news and india news, visit Times Now to get live updates and breaking news around the world.
