From election triumph to CM question: Congress’ K’taka challenge in 10 points

From Congress’ victory in the Karnataka Assembly polls to the Siddaramaiah being named the next Chief Minister, here is everything that has transpired over the last five days:

1. 01

   Congress emerges triumphant

   As predicted by multiple exit polls, the Congress scored a resounding victory in the Karnataka Assembly Elections, crossing well beyond the halfway mark of 113. This win was a significant one for the Congress for multiple reasons.

   Notably, it meant that the Congress was not in power in seven state assemblies.  A number of BJP heavyweights, including Karnataka ministers V Somanna, B C Nagesh K Sudhakar, and K C Narayana Gowda, were defeated in Saturday’s elections.

2. 02

   ‘Market of hate is shut, shop of love is open’

   Following the party’s victory, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said: “The markets of hatred have closed down, and shops of love have opened in Karnataka.” “We contested Karnataka polls with love, not hate,” he said. He then prophesied a similar victory for the Congress in all states.

3. 03

   Changing tides?

   The Congress’ thumping victory is significant considering the growing demand for Opposition unity ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Emboldened by the Congress’ win, several Opposition leaders have renewed calls for a stronger alliance. To this effect, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is planning to organise a grand meeting of all top Opposition leaders next month in Bihar.

   Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee assured the Congress of her party’s support in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

4. 04

   The CM question

   Soon after the Congress’ win, the Congress was faced with the dilemma of choosing its next head government. The two frontrunners were: former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka PCC chief D K Shivakumar.

5. 05

   Siddaramaiah edges ahead

   Siddaramaiah was quickly seen as holding the edge, not just because he had the backing of 90 of the 135 newly elected MLAs of the Congress, but also because of his popularity as a leader with a pan-Karnataka reach, with a support base across not just his community Kuruba voters but also Muslim and other communities.

6. 06

   Shivakumar refuses to back down

   But even though Siddaramaiah was widely seen as the popular pick, Shivakumar refused to back down. Since the results were announced, he attempted to bolster his case by getting the support of religious figures.

   Besides the Lingayat Harihar Mutt seers, Shivakumar has been endorsed by the head pontiff of the main mutt of the Vokkaliga community, to which he belongs. Both Lingayats and Vokkaligas form crucial vote banks in the state.

7. 07

   Fight goes to Delhi

   With both sides unwilling to back down, the fight for the CM post went to Delhi, with the high command getting involved.

   The party’s top leadership, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, met with both the leaders in the national capital and multiple attempts were made to arrive at a consensus.

8. 08

   The Congress’ offer

   While the party’s stance on the matter was clear, Shivakumar played hardball. He initially postponed his visit to Delhi, sending his brother to meet with the high command on his behalf.

   He then proceeded to the national capital on Tuesday, where he met both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

   Shivakumar was initially not enthusiastic about the central party leadership’s offers – a shared term with Siddaramiah, or the Deputy Chief Minister’s post with some important portfolios.

9. 09

   The Cong-sensus

   Finally, after days of lobbying, the Congress managed to broker a deal and in the wee hours of Thursday decided to appoint Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister of Karnataka.

   Shivakumar is set to be sworn in as the sole Deputy Chief Minister, along with some significant portfolios. Shivakumar will continue on as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.

10. 10

    Swearing in on Saturday

    The stage is set for the two leaders to be sworn in on Saturday in Bengaluru.