After 3 days of deliberations, Cong no closer to Karnataka CM as DKS refuses to budge

New Delhi: After three days of deliberations, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge is yet to decide on the next Karnataka Chief Minister as state unit chief D.K. Shivakumar remained firm on his demand for the post, informed sources said on Wednesday.
Top party sources said that Shivakumar, who met Kharge twice in the last two days, has been demanding the Chief Ministerial post in the southern state, where he had led the party since 2020 and delivered the result as per the party’s expectation.
The source said that several formulas were suggested – rotational Chief Ministers for a period of two years and three years, appointing a Deputy Chief Minister of his choice, and having maximum say in the state cabinet.
“But he is not interested in those and wants to lead the state,” the source added.
Asked if the party discussed a third contender for the chief ministerial post besides LoP of outgoing Assembly Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, the source said: “It came up during the meeting but no detailed discussion could take place on that issue as both the top leaders are vying for the post.” Shivakumar and Kharge both had met former party chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday afternoon separately. After this, Shivakumar once again met Kharge at his residence whereas Siddaramaiah stayed at the hotel here.