KARNATAKA ELECTIONS: Congress’s new strategy; to choose a Dalit CM?

A day after the exit polls not bringing forth a definite winner and the apprehension of a hung assembly over Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has created a ripple effect with his announcement.

Siddaramaiah has stated that he is ready to step down if Congress leadership wishes to replace him with a Dalit.

Speaking to reporters a day after the end of the polling in the state, the 69-year-old Congress leader said that the high command decision on making a Dalit leader the Chief Minister will be final and he will willingly adhere to it.

“I am not against anybody,” he stressed.

“If the high command says they will make a Dalit the CM, I will tell them to go ahead. I am not against anybody. But you see, MLAs also have to give their opinion. No one can force… the high command also has to agree to that. Forcefully making someone a CM is difficult. You can’t run a government like that,” Siddaramaiah told reporters in Mysuru. 

READ ALSO: KARNATAKA ELECTIONS: CONGRESS NOT SO CONFIDENT; BREAKING NEWS

His announcement could be seen as Congress’ political strategy in case of a split verdict which would make the JD(S) the kingmaker.

The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and former chief minister G Parameshwara said that the decision on the Dalit chief minister matter will be taken by the party high command.

Parameshwara and Mallikarjun Kharge are two of the top Dalit leaders in Karnataka Congress.

At the same time, he said that he himself is a contender for the top post but would gladly accept if the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) elects Siddaramaiah.

Parameshwara expressed confidence that his party will win with a majority and ruled out the possibility of a hung assembly.

READ ALSO:  India not safe under Narendra Modi led BJP govt ,says Shashi Tharoor

YEDDYURAPPA & BJP CONFIDENT OF VICTORY

Meanwhile, CM candidate from BJP-B.S. Yeddyurappa is confident of his party’s victory in polls.

He announced that he would leave for New Delhi on Tuesday to consult PM Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah on the time for his swearing-in on Wednesday.

He trashed exit poll findings and said BJP would get 125-130 seats. “I will give it in writing. BJP is winning with an absolute majority,” said Yeddyurappa. Shah also said in Goa that BJP would form the government in Karnataka.