Siddaramaiah to Become Karnataka CM, Shivakumar as Deputy: End of Stalemate

18-05-2023 : A breakthrough has finally been made in the political situation in Karnataka after a protracted period of impasse. According to reports, Siddaramaiah will soon become the chief minister of Karnataka, and D.K. Shivakumar will succeed him as the deputy chief minister. The much anticipated declaration is anticipated to be made by Thursday night, following a Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting in Bengaluru that is set to begin at 7 pm and at which the new leader will be chosen.

Amidst intense speculations and prolonged negotiations, the Congress party engaged in marathon discussions with the top contenders for the Chief Ministerial post. After deliberations late into Wednesday night, the decision was made by the party leadership. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar individually met with influential figures in the party, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, to present their cases.

Shivakumar, the State Congress President, held a lunch meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge and engaged in discussions with his fellow Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Around 12 MLAs attended the meeting, which took place at the residence of Shivakumar’s brother, D.K. Suresh. While Shivakumar initially declined the offer for the Deputy Chief Ministerial position, he ultimately accepted the role after intervention from Sonia Gandhi. Siddaramaiah enjoyed the support of a majority of MLAs, providing him with an advantage in the race for Karnataka’s Chief Minister, while Shivakumar remained steadfast in his position of not settling for a deputy post.

Speaking after his meetings with Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar stated that he would not create divisions within the party, expressing his willingness to take on any responsibility entrusted to him. He emphasized his commitment to not engage in treachery or manipulation. Meanwhile, celebrations erupted at Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru, although the Congress party clarified that consultations were still ongoing. Randeep Singh Surjewala, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Karnataka in-charge, assured that within the next 48 to 72 hours, a new Cabinet would be established in Karnataka, enabling the implementation of the Congress party’s five guarantees and the commencement of efforts to develop a prosperous Karnataka.

In the midst of these developments, Shivakumar has called for a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting to be held in Bengaluru on Thursday evening. He has sent a written invitation to all legislators, urging them to attend alongside the newly-elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), and Members of Parliament (MPs).

It is worth noting that the Congress party secured a decisive victory in the Karnataka elections, winning a clear majority of 135 seats in the 224-member Assembly. The swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister is anticipated to take place in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 20.