Bengaluru, May 29: Senior Karnataka Congress leader HK Patil has confirmed that DK Shivakumar is the designated candidate for the Chief Minister position. He stated that Shivakumar will take the oath once the internal party process is completed following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation.
Speaking to reporters, Patil said, “Shivakumar has already been named the candidate for Chief Minister. It became clear after Siddaramaiah shared his thoughts and discussions held in Delhi that Shivakumar would be the next Chief Minister. However, we must follow the process. A meeting of the Congress Legislative Party has been scheduled for tomorrow at 4 PM, where the high command’s decision will be formalized. Shivakumar could take the oath the day after tomorrow or the following day.”
In response to a question regarding the OBC community, Patil deemed the question inappropriate. He highlighted Shivakumar’s support for OBC interests, stating, “Shivakumar is among those fighting for OBC rights. He has a connection to the OBC community. Therefore, such questions will neither arise nor be relevant.”
Patil described Siddaramaiah’s resignation as historic and a testament to loyalty towards the party. He remarked, “This decision will undoubtedly have a positive impact. Siddaramaiah’s stature has increased. His decision yesterday was a remarkable expression of loyalty to the party and high leadership, surprising many opponents. Despite being a senior leader, his decision aligns with his political experience.”
Denying any aspirations for a position, Patil stated, “I am not aspiring for any position. My services will always be available at the direction of the Congress high command.”
When asked about Siddaramaiah’s future, Patil mentioned that he is not interested in national politics. The party had offered him a Rajya Sabha position, but he graciously declined, expressing a desire to remain in state politics.
Patil expressed confidence that the Congress party would assign him a suitable responsibility based on his experience in the state. This transition marks a new chapter in the long-standing dynamics between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar factions within Karnataka Congress. Siddaramaiah’s resignation is seen as an example of party unity and discipline, while preparations for forming a new government under Shivakumar’s leadership are accelerating.
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