BENGALURU: As Congress surges towards a landslide victory in Karnataka, DK Shivakumar is emerging as a strong contender for the chief ministerial position, with party workers rallying behind him. The atmosphere at the Bengaluru Headquarters of the Congress Party is charged with enthusiasm as The New Indian interacts with several party workers amidst chants of “DK, DK.”
“DK Shivakumar is our strong leader. He is the engine of the train that led us to this decisive victory,” expresses one party worker, reflecting the sentiment shared by many. Another party worker highlights DK Shivakumar’s exceptional handling of the COVID-19 situation and credits him for the triumph, stating, “He is a powerful leader. He did a fantastic job in handling COVID-19. The victory should be credited to him by the High Command.”
Some party workers also attribute the victory to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. “Congress will definitely cross 140 seats. This is the downfall of Modi. It also shows the success of Bharat Jodo Yatra. Rahul Gandhi was dismissed from Parliament by dirty tricks,” asserts a party worker, emphasizing the impact of the yatra.
Congress is anticipated to announce its Chief Ministerial candidate on Sunday during the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting in Bengaluru. To ensure full attendance, all Congress MLAs are scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru by tomorrow morning. The meeting will be attended by key Congress leaders, including Party President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretary KC Venugopal, and Randeep Surjewala, who will oversee the proceedings and decision-making process.
In an emotional moment, DK Shivakumar broke down before TV cameras, recalling the poignant memory of Sonia Gandhi’s visit to him in Tihar Jail. Overwhelmed with emotions, DK passionately states, “I made a promise to our leaders that I would deliver Karnataka for you!”
DK is leading from Kanakapura constituency with over 70 per cent of the vote-share.
Alongside DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, who is leading in Varuna remains a popular choice for the CM’s post. After the victory, Siddaramaiah tweets, “Honesty over 40% commission, Stability over instability, Secularism over communal politics, Harmony over hatred, Karnataka pride over trouble engine, Kannadigas’ mandate is loud and clear!! It is Congress!!”