MLA ignores warning, bats for DK Shivakumar as Karnataka CM

BENGALURU: The leadership issue in Karnataka Congress continued to rumble on in full public glare despite stern warnings from state party president DK Shivakumar and other brass to legislators to keep mum on the issue.
Shivaganga Basavaraj, MLA, on Monday, expressed strong support for Shivakumar, backing his ascension to the chief minister post.
“Shivakumar built the party from scratch and he is the reason for Congress’ significant victories, increasing our seats from one to nine in the Lok Sabha polls,” Basavaraj said, while suggesting the appointment of multiple deputy CMs will happen under Shivakumar’s leadership.He said it is a “Congress tradition” to appoint the state party president as the CM and the high command’s decision to pick Siddaramaiah as CM was “unexpected, despite Shivakumar’s efforts to strengthen the party at the grassroots”.
On co-operation minister KN Rajanna’s calls for additional deputy CM posts, he said these issues will be discussed with the high command and urged seniors like Rajanna to “set an example for juniors”. He criticised Rajanna for continuing to make public statements despite Shivakumar’s warnings. On a Vokkaliga seer’s appeal to Siddaramaiah to quit and allow Shivakumar to take over as CM, Basavaraj said it reflects “public sentiment”.
Ahinda body backs Siddaramaiah
Incidentally, Ahinda state president Prabhulinga Doddamani warned of severe consequences if Siddaramaiah is forced out. “Removing Siddaramaiah would cause a religious setback,” Doddamani said.
Siddaramaiah has moved to quell talk on the issue. Responding to calls for additional deputy CM posts, he said: “It’s not a matter for public discussion. We will follow the high command’s decision.”