Siddaramaiah has been designated as the upcoming chief minister of Karnataka, with DK Shivakumar being named as his deputy, reports said. In a significant development, the Congress party has decided to implement a rotational tenure system, with both leaders serving for two-and-a-half years each. This decision comes after a period of uncertainty following the grand old party's resounding victory in the southern state. The swearing-in ceremony for the new chief minister will take place in Bengaluru on May 20.
According to reliable sources, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reached a consensus on government formation shortly after midnight, following intense deliberations held in the national capital over the past three days.
Furthermore, a Congress legislative party meeting has been scheduled for May 20, paving the way for the 75-year-old Kuruba leader to assume the role of chief minister for the second time. Both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar had staunchly advocated for their candidacies during discussions with the party's high command, which made the decision-making process quite challenging.
When asked about the outcome, DK Shivakumar, the prominent Vokkaliga leader of the party in Karnataka, stated, "There is nothing to tell...we have left it to the high command...High command will take the call. I'm going for rest."
Earlier reports suggested that Shivakumar had been offered the position of deputy chief minister, along with six portfolios. However, Congress Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala dismissed these reports and cautioned against indulging in speculative discussions.
Siddaramaiah, a grassroots politician who initiated his political career with the Janata Parivar, joined the Congress in 2006 after being expelled from HD Deve Gowda's Janata Dal (Secular). He is only the second chief minister, following Devraj Urs, to complete a full term of five years.
The selection of Siddaramaiah as the chief ministerial candidate may not come as a surprise to many, as he reportedly enjoyed the support of 85 MLAs, as indicated in a report submitted by the three Congress observers to the party high command.