BENGALURU: While Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah struggles to keep his chair, two names have emerged as front-runners for the post. Political sources said one of the ideal choices for the post is former labour minister and present leader of opposition in Parliamant, Mallikarjun Kharge. “But he is the most important man in Delhi now. He alone has put the Modi government on the mat,” a Congress leader said.
The CM came under the radar after he accepted an expensive Hublot watch from a friend. That was just the beginning of his troubles. He later disbanded the Lokayukta police wing, and set up an Anti-Corruption Bureau which would report to him. Taking one wrong step after another, Siddaramaiah is on the verge of losing his position. However, none of the reports visibly touched the senior Congress leader as he stays strong on his feet, calling them rumours to be dismissed.
“A few are not happy with me and launched a propaganda to mislead people. They could not see me at a top post and are spreading such gossip. But there is no such move or any development in this regard,” he said. He downplayed the issue of MPs expressing displeasure over the CM’s attitude and accused the media of making up stories.
The Yeddyurappa factor
With B S Yeddyurappa returning as BJP president - he is said to have PM Modi and Amit Shah's blessing - the possibility of the Lingayat strongman routing the Congress in the next elections is being considered a reality. The Congress does not want to take any chances and is all set for course-correction over the next two years.
