BANGALORE, OCT 1: The State Congress is at it again. Living up to its true traditions, the race for the post of chief minister within the party has begun, though results of the elections are not yet out.The State party unit is bustling with activity. Prominent factional leaders are convening meetings to work out various combinations and permutations lest the party falls short of a simple majority, which according to many is likely to happen.The contenders who have so far emerged for the CM's post are S M Krishna, Mallikarjuna Kharge and Dharam Singh. While Krishna qualifies automatically 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 community' status which makes him a `compromise' candidate, as 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 Krishna's leadership.According to many leaders, Kharge and Singh would not mind either of the two getting the coveted 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. ``After all, every Congressmen knows that CMs are chosen by the High Command and not by the legislators. Why should Kharge not try for the post since he has all the qualities,'' argues a Kharge supporter.Acknowledging the future role to be played by former prime minister Deve Gowda's party, the two have been in touch with the JD (S) for its support, if need be. Since Krishna was, to some extent, responsible for blocking Deve Gowda's entry into the Congress, the latter may not be pleased with Krishna. Gowda may deny support to Congress Government led by Krishna and prefer to support Congress led by Kharge or Singh.Besides, many Congressmen feel that Krishna may not be accessible if he becomes the CM. While Congressmen may not feel free working with Krishna, who is comparatively a more straight forward person, both party MLAs and Gowda may feel more comfortable with Singh and Kharge at the helm.With the issue of future chief ministership taking the Congress party by storm yet again, it promises to bring to fore another round of bickering as it happened in early 90s of Congress rule.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.
