Image source: Deccan Herald
The Congress party after a long time has registered a massive victory in the southern state of Karnataka. Winning 136 seats and a close to 43% vote share the party has defeated the BJP which won 65 seats in what the party called as a war against hate in the Karnataka Elections.
CM Basavaraj Bommai submitted his resignation to Governor Gehlot and via a tweet said that he takes the responsibility for the defeat.
The congress which had won 69 seats in the previous party elections has registered this massive victory mainly due to strong anti-incumbency, corruption charges on BJP and no significant ground work by the current ruling dispensation. The major party Janata Dal (Secular) won just 19 seats from the previous 32 seats. PM Narendra Modi and other leaders of BJP congratulated congress for the win and expected good governance from the party.
Now as the ‘war’ is over begins a battle within the congress party to select the candidate for the Chief Minister post. KPCC chief DK Shivakumar who is fondly called as DKS by his followers and former Chief Minister Siddaramiah are the top contenders for the post of Chief Minister. While some congress leaders have also said that MB Patil and G Parameshwara are also contending for the post of CM.
As per several leaders the post of the CM will be elected democratically and all the elected members will vote to decide the man for the post. It is said that the final decision will be of the party high command.
DK Shivakumar has been the face of the congress in the election campaign and is seen as the real match winner for the congress in Karnataka. A Vokkaliga, who form nearly 15% of the population, is Chief of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. His ambitions for the post of CM are no secret. DK Shivakumar followers put the posters of him outside his official residence, wishing him in advance for birthday and Next CM posters. Crackers were busted outside his official residence as the news for the congress victory came out.
While Siddaramiah, who has said that he is in the last phase of his career, is also seen as a top contender. The former CM from 2013-18 is a respected leader in Karnataka. While he traditionally belonged to the ‘Janata Family’ he switched sides and joined hands with the Congress. Similar to Shivakumar ‘Next CM’ posters were seen outside his official residence. His son also said that as his father is an experienced and senior leader he should be allowed to fill the post of CM for the congress party.
