A day after incumbent Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that he has no problem if the Congress high command decides to choose a Dalit leader for the state's top post, key contenders, Mallikarjun Kharge and G Parameshwara responded to his statement.
"There are no questions of ‘ifs' and 'buts'. We are expecting a majority. If it doesn't come, we will think at the time what will we do," he added.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee G Parameshwara, another CM aspirant, told the media outlet, "The high command will get the majority. Beyond that, there is nothing me or the CM or any party leader can suggest. It is left to the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) and high command."
"Let us first get the majority. Let the result come out and then we will react to all these questions," he added.
The CM also made it clear that he wished to continue in the post if Congress wins, adding, "I'm very confident the Congress party will get majority, and I hope I will be the Chief Minister. In these five years, there has been no dissident activity against me. Not a single MLA is against me. May be one or two people gave statements here and there... But by and large in Congress, they've cooperated with me."
Siddaramaiah is the first Chief Minister in the state to complete his full term in 40 years.
The Assembly Elections in Karnataka witnessed the highest voter turnout in the state in over 35 years.
(This article was first published by The News Minute and has been republished with permission.)
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