Bengaluru: As the Congress pulled off a stunning victory over the BJP in the Karnataka assembly election on Saturday. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge is receiving wholesome accolades after having delivered his home state to his party, in what is clearly his biggest success so far since taking over the hot seat last year.
Certainly the glory of winning the Karnataka polls for the Congress against the formidable election machinery of the BJP and blitz campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi could further raise the stature of the veteran politician, who saw the chief ministerial post in his home state eluding him thrice in the past.
All three times, Kharge had to give up the coveted seat to SM Krishna, Dharam Singh and Siddaramaiah.
And probably now, it would go either to Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar or Siddaramaiah.
Shivakumar, as state Congress chief, pledged before Sonia Gandhi and other top leaders to deliver Karnataka in the polls. On the other hand, a good number of legislators support Siddaramaiah for the chief minister’s post.
When a journalist asked Kharge about his feelings in missing opportunities to become CM thrice ahead of Karnataka polls. He had said,”When I can choose one, why should I worry?”
But beyond his smile, lies a tough job at hand, as Kharge could be playing a big role in anointing the next chief minister under the given circumstances when the supporters of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are vocal to see their masters occupy the coveted chair.
Already Shivakumar’s supporters are raising slogans of “Ab ki baar DKS ki sarkar” in Bengaluru, and some 150 kms away from this city, Siddaramaiah’s supporters in Mysuru are making sure that their master prevails over Shivakumar.
In a way soon after seeing Congress heading towards a resounding victory, Shivakumar made an indirect pitch for CM’s post by reminiscing the pledge he had taken before Sonia Gandhi and others to deliver in Karnataka as he broke down addressing mediapersons in Bengaluru.
Kharge until now succeeded in burying the hatchet between the two chief ministerial aspirants ahead of the elections. Now after the Congress’ triumph, it remains to be seen how the AICC President comes out trumps in settling the matter.
If the Solillada Sardara (undefeated leader) succeeds in this endeavour, people can expect yet another unforgettable one liner from him in coming days.
