Maintaining that it will get more than 130 seats in Karnataka, the Congress on Monday said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement expressing his willingness to make way for a Dalit Chief Minister only reflects his philosophy of putting party interests above individual ambitions.
“This is in line with the fine tradition of putting party interests above an individual. And allowing the wisdom of elected MLAs and the high command to decide on leadership. As some one who is senior in age and experience, I would want to thank Siddaramaiah ji from this platform,” said Randeep Singh Surjewala, chief of Congress communication wing.
“Does Modi have the same conviction to offer the PM post to a Dalit? Or in Karnataka, is he willing to move away from the Yeddy-Reddy gang,” he asked.
Mr. Siddaramaiah’s statement on Sunday that he was willing to make way for a Dalit Chief Minister was being variously interpreted.
Many in political circles interpreted it as a sign of the Congress party’s willingness to change the chief ministerial candidate in case of a hung verdict and need for help from parties like Janata Dal (Secular) of H.D. Deve Gowda.
The Congress Chief Minister doesn’t share an easy relationship with Mr. Gowda after he broke away from the JD(S) and joined the Congress to become Chief Minister.
Even within the Congress, there are other contenders like Karnataka Congress chief G. Parameshwara and senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
“This issue has been created in media to create differences between us. We are clear that the high command will decide on it. It’s just a matter of 12 hours,” Mr. Kharge said.
