Race for CM8217;s post begins in Karnataka Congress

The State party unit is agog with activity. Prominent factional leaders are convening meetings to work out various combinations and permutations in the party falls short of a simple majority.

The contenders who have so far emerged for the chief minister8217;s post are S M Krishna, Mallikarjuna Kharge and Dharam Singh. While Krishna may qualify for the coveted post on account of being the party chief, both Kharge and Singh would not mind throwing their hats into the ring for at least two reasons: both do not belong to a forward community and both are undoubtedly powerful leaders in the North Karnataka region.

Though Kharge and Singh are comrades-in-arms, party sources reveal that the former stands one step higher than the latter on account of his credentials as not only a strong Dalit leader but also as an experienced and seasoned Parliamentarian.

For Dharam Singh, it is his minority community8217; status which makes him a compromise8217; candidate, against other contenders from the major communities, including KPCC President S M Krishna.

The feeling that Congress may not get a majority on its own to form the Government has made them question Krishna8217;s leadership.

According to many leaders, Kharge and Singh would not mind either of them getting the post. In fact, both of them are believed to be working in tandem with the high command at Delhi. Both have established contacts with the Congress candidates in their region and are trying to keep the flock together.

The two contenders are said to have established contacts with Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesri for supporting them at the appropriate time. 8220;After all, every Congressmen knows that chief ministers are chosen by the high command and not by the legislators.

Acknowledging the future role to be played by former prime minister Deve Gowda8217;s party, the two have been in touch with the JD S for its support, if the need arises. Since Krishna was, to some extent, responsible for blocking Deve Gowda8217;s entry into the Congress, the latter may not be pleased with Krishna and may deny support to Congress Government led by Krishna. On the other hand, Gowda may support Congress led by Kharge or Dharam Singh.

Besides, many Congressmen feel that Krishna may not be accessible if he becomes the chief minister. While Congressmen may not feel free working with Krishna, who is comparatively a more straight forward person, both party MLAs and Deve Gowda may feel more comfortable with Dharam and Kharge at the helm.

Some senior leaders feel that the party should immediately name the chief minister so as to avoid any confusion at the time of forming Government if the party comes to power.