Karnataka Politics Highlights: Randeep Surjewala leaves from KC Venugopal’s residence in Delhi

Amid the holdup in choosing Karnataka's next CM, the Congress top brass has had a series of meetings, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge having sit-downs with both Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar. While there is no clear consensus yet, Siddaramaiah will likely be named CM while DKS will continue to head the state Congress unit. The Congress is also mulling appointing three Deputy Chief Ministers from Lingayat, Dalit and Muslim communities. In such a scenario MB Patil, G Parameshwara and UT Khader are the front runners for the post. Track updates on Karnataka election results and more only on DH!

DKS leaves from residence of his brother & party MP DK Suresh

Randeep Surjewala leaves from KC Venugopal’s residence in Delhi

Think K'taka CM will be announced by tonight: Cong leader Ajay Singh

DKS now at K C Venugopal's house for another round of talks, meeting with Siddaramaiah over

Siddaramaiah meets K C Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala

Watch: K C Venugopal arrives at Kharge's residence

Watch: Surjewala arrives at Kharge's residence after the former's meeting with DKS

Surjewala meets Kharge after meeting with DKS

D K Shivakumar returns to brother's residence after meeting with Surjewala

DKS meets Surjewala, amid impasse over next CM

D K Shivakumar metRandeep Singh Surjewala amid an impasse in selecting the next Karnataka CM.

Congress warns leaders to not issue statements on Karnataka leadership

"I have also advised all Congress leaders to not issue statements on the issue of leadership. Any out-of-turn remarks made from here onwards will be treated as indiscipline and action taken accordingly," Karnataka-in-charge for CongressSurjewala said.

No infighting, scene has shifted to Delhi: Parameshwara on CM announcement delay

BJP frustrated by loss in Karnataka: Surjewala

D K Shivakumar meets loyalist MLAs and other leaders at his brother D K Suresh's residence after meeting Kharge

DKS was earlier seen exiting after his meeting with the AICC president but remained mum to the media.

Karnataka Congress leader MB Patil arrives at Kharge's Delhi residence

Amid no consensus on next CM, security has been beefed up in Shivakumar's home district

Security was stepped up in Ramanagara, the home district of Karnataka Congress President D K Shivakumar, on Wednesday as a precautionary measure in light of his supporters staging protests at multiple places after some media outlets claimed that he lost the race for the Chief Minister's post to Siddaramaiah.(PTI)

D K Shivakumar leaves Kharge's residence, does not speak to media

DKS has left Kharge's residence without speaking to the media on his way out amid discussions over who will be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Supporters of Siddaramaiah dance on the road amid speculation of him being selected for the Karnatak CM post. Credit:Prajavani Photo/ Anoop Ragh T

Congress decision on CM will come in 48-72 hours, says Surjewala

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala addressed the media amid rising speculation over the new Karnataka CM. "Consultations are on. Don't report speculation or heed to fake information. Whenever there is a decision, which will come today or tomorrow, Congress will announce it," Surjewala said.

He added that the decision will come in 48-72 hours.

Watch: Siddaramaiah supporters pour milk on his poster and chant slogans outside his Bengaluru residence

SC adjourns hearing on CBI plea against DK Shivakumar in disproportionate assets case to July 14

In another development, the Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned to July 14 the hearing on CBI's plea that challenged a Karnataka High Court order granting an interim stay on the probe into a disproportionate assets case against Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D K Shivakumar.

'Siddaramaiah's name finalised for CM post', claims Karnataka Cong women's wing chief

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Women's Wing President Pushpa Amarnath claimed on Wednesday that Siddaramaiah's name has been finalised for the post of Chief Minister.

Talking to media here, Amarnath stated that it was confirmed that Siddaramaiah's name has been finalised for the post, and it is going to be announced officially in a short time.

"Rahul Gandhiji had spoken to Siddaramaiah. It is confirmed that he will become the CM. We have conveyed our wishes to Siddaramaiah," she said.

Celebrations for Siddaramaiah, 'Make DKS CM' chants for Shivakumar mark power play for CM post

Meanwhile, supporters of senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah have started the celebration. They were seen bursting firecrackers in Bengaluru ahead of the decision on Karnataka CM post.

BJP leaders attack Siddaramaiah for fall of Congress-JD(S) coalition government in 2019

Two former BJP ministers have accused Siddaramaiah of doing little to keep them from quitting the Congress-JD(S) coalition government that collapsed in 2019.

Former ministers K Sudhakar and S T Somashekar tweeted this on Wednesday morning coinciding with news emerging from New Delhi that Siddaramaiah is likely to become the next chief minister.

Sudhakar and Somashekar were with the Congress before they quit along with 15 other MLAs in 2019.

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D K Shivakumar's supporters hold placards outside Kharge's residence

'Make DKS CM', chant supporters outside Rahul's residence

D K Shivakumar reaches Cong chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence as CM pick looms

In Bengaluru, police officials are inspecting Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, where the swearing-in ceremony of the new Karnataka government is likely to be held.

Congress wasting public’s time instead of working for them, says BJP leader Dushyant Gautam

Now,BJP leader Dushyant Gautam has criticised the Congress for delay in finalising the Karnataka CM candidate. “The Congress is wasting public’s time instead of working for them,” said Gautam.

DK Shivakumar leaves from 10, Janpath, after meeting Rahul Gandhi

Supporters of Congress leader Siddaramaiah flash victory signs, at 10, Janpath, in NewDelhi, Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Credit: PTI Photo

Congress hits back at BJP for questioning delay in deciding Karnataka CM

The Congress on Wednesday hit out at the BJP for criticising it over the delay in deciding the chief minister of Karnataka, and cited examples when the BJP declared its chief ministers in Uttar Pradesh and Assam several days after winning the polls.

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With Siddaramaiah taking lead in the CM race, his supporters were seen raising slogans outside his residence in Bengaluru.

Sonia Gandhi urges D K Shivakumar to be Deputy CM, latter denies request

Sources told DH thatformer Congress president Sonia Gandhi spoke to Shivakumar and urged him to take up the post of Deputy Chief Minister.

However, sources said, he politely declined the offer following which she asked him to continue as Congress Karnataka President. Sources said she told Shivakumar that party values his contributions.

Meanwhile, a Dalit group is protesting outside KPCC office demanding Mallikarjun Kharge to be named CM.

Delay in finalising CM candidate shows internal situation in Congress, says Bommai

Outgoing Karnataka CMBasavaraj Bommai joined the list of BJP leaders critisising the Congress over delay in announcing CM candidate. "The Congress is yet to finalise its CM candidate in spite of getting a majority. This shows the internal situation in the party. The aspirations of people are more important than politicking. The Congress should choose a CM as soon as possible," said Bommai.

Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar has arrived at 10, Janpath to meet party leader Rahul Gandhi.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah has returned to the hotel where he is staying during his Delhi visit. He is now awaiting the party high command's decision on the Karnataka CM post.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah leaves from Rahul Gandhi's residence in Delhi

According to DH sources, Siddaramaiah is likely to win the CM race against D K Shivakumar. The latter is likely to continue as the KPCC president and work for the party in the state. The Congress is also considering appointing three Deputy CMs.

Read the full report here

Meanwhile, Surjewala and M B Patil have reached Kharge's residence for meetings on selecting Karnataka CM.

Congress 100% united, CM decision likely by today evening, says party's state working president

As the BJP continues to target the Congress over the delay in naming the Karnataka CM, party's state working president Eshwar Khandare said that they were 100% united and the decision is expected by today evening.

CM aspirant Siddaramaiah makes his pitch to Rahul Gandhi

During his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, CM aspirant Siddaramaiah likely shared with him a list of MLAs who are backing him for the top post in the state, accoridng to a report by News18.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah has arrived at 10 Janpath to meet party leader Rahul Gandhi.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah is on his way to meet party's national president Malliakrjun Kharge and Rahul Gandh as a decision on Karnataka CM remains pending.

Congress is nearing a decision on Karnataka CM pick as several party leaders have hinted that the announcement is likely to come by today evening. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi will be meeting both the CM aspirants today.

Siddaramaiah likely to be Karnataka CM, Congress mulls three Deputy CMs formula

Siddaramaiah is likely to be named as Karnataka Chief Minister on Wednesday while D K Shivakumar will continue to head the state Congress unitafter a final round of consultations involving Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi with principal players in the state.

On the discussion table is a proposal to appoint three Deputy Chief Ministers from Lingayat, Dalit and Muslim communities. In such a scenario MB Patil, G Parameshwara and UT Khader are the front runners for the post.

Shivakumar will not join the Cabinet as Deputy Chief Minister, sources said.

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DKS got Congress back to power, he should be made CM, says Congress MLA

"D K Shivakumar has done his job as the KPCC President and got Congress back to power. He should be made the chief minister," said Congress MLA H C Balakrishna.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress Working President Eshwar Khandre in response to media queries on the announcement of name of new CM said, "Maybe by today evening."

Karnataka CM pick will be finalised today or tomorrow, says G Parameshwara

Congress leader amdformer Karnataka Deputy CM Dr G Parameshwara on Wednesday clarified that there was no controversy in selection of the Karnataka CM. "A procedure is being followed. The party high command is meeting the CM candidates and it will be finalised today or by tomorrow," he said.

Eshwar Khandare, other MLAs arrive at Kharge's residence for meeting on CM selection

K C Venugopal has reached Kharge's residence.

Siddaramaiah is likely to meet Rahul Gandhi at 11.30 am and D K Shivakumar at 12.30 pm.

Karnataka Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar will meet party leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi today.

Sudhakar further recalled that Siddaramaiah used to ask the MLAs to wait till 2019 Lok Sabha polls saying come what may he won't allow HD Kumaraswamy-led coalition government to continue even for a single day after Lok Sabha polls, Sudhakar claimed.

"Can Siddaramaiah deny the fact that he had no role, implicitly or explicitly, in this move by Congress MLAs?" Sudhakar asked.

Can Siddaramaiah deny his role in collapse of Congress-JD(S) coalition govt? asks BJP's Sudhakar

In a setback to Siddaramaiah who is staking claim for Karnataka Chief Minister's post, former minister and BJP leader Dr K Sudhakar on Wednesday asserted that the veteran's role in collapse of Congress-JD(S) coalition government can't be ignored.

"During the JD(S)-Congress coalition government in 2018, whenever MLAs went to the then Coordination Committee Chairman Siddaramaiah with their concerns, he used to express his helplessness and say that he has no say in the government and that works in his constituency and district itself are stalled," Sudhakar explained.

Congress hits back at BJP for questioning delay in deciding Karnataka CM

The Congress on Wednesday hit out at the BJP for criticising it over the delay in deciding the chief minister of Karnataka, and cited examples when the BJP declared its chief ministers in Uttar Pradesh and Assam several days after winning the polls.Several BJP leaders are criticising the Congress for the delay in deciding on the chief ministerial candidate in Karnataka amid hectic lobbying for the top post.

As suspense over Karnataka CM continues, multiple news reports say that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will meet CM aspirant Siddaramaiah today.

Congress Karnataka leaders meet Shettar, express solidarity

Karnataka's former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, who jumped from the BJP to the Congress, might have lost in the Assembly elections but the Congress is all set to give him a big role considering his contribution to its victory.

Senior leaders - former Deputy Chief Minister DrGParameshwara and former state Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao paid a visit to his residence here on Tuesday as per the instructions of the party high command and thanked him for the support.

Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: A thumping victory, and some concerns

It is a record broken after 34 years – the Congress’ victory in the Karnataka election in terms of both the number of seats and the vote share. It is a decisive and sweeping mandate, with a record voter turnout of 72%.

There will be endless analyses of the factors and players who contributed to this thumping victory. Was it a severe case of anti-incumbency? Karnataka has never returned an incumbent back to power since 1985. Was it because of disgust against the corruption captured by the phrase “40% Sarkara”? Was it because of an excessive focus on issues touching religious fault-lines? Was it voter fatigue with hate speech? These are all negative motivator factors.

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BJP candidate moves HC for recount of votes

Even as Congress leadership is tryng to solve the CM dilemma as soon as possible, a BJP candidate from Malur constituency Manjunath Gowda has moved the High Court, seeking recount of votes polled in the Assembly elections, as the margin between him and K Y Nanjegowda, the winning Congress candidate, is just 248.

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Kharge to consult Sonia and Rahul before finalising Karnataka CM choice

Kharge will be consulting Sonia and former party chief Rahul Gandhi again before finalising the choice even as he has asked both the Karnataka leaders to stay put in the capital for another day. Kharge and Rahul are also likely to have a joint meeting with the two warring leaders on Wednesday.

Hectic consultations prove ineffective as Congress fails to choose K'taka CM for second day

The Congress could not announce a name for Karnataka Chief Minister for the second day despite hectic consultations on Tuesday within top party leadership as well as meetings party chief Mallikarjun Kharge had with aspirants Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.

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Shivakumar toiled to bring party to power, must be rewarded: Suresh

Bengaluru Rural Congress MP D K Suresh on Tuesday hoped that his brother, KPCC president D K Shivakumar, will be rewarded by the party's top brass for his hard work to bring the party to power with a comfortable majority.

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Announcement on next Karnataka CM likely today in Bengaluru: Sources

Took over the reins in 2020 when no one was ready for the job, Shivakumar tells Kharge

Karnataka Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar, who is vying for the CM's post, told party President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday that he took over the reins of the party in 2020 when no one was ready for the job, sources said.

IANS