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By Shilpa Nair: After the Congress’s landslide victory in the Karnataka Assembly election, all eyes are on who will be the state’s next chief minister. Two Congress stalwarts — DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah — are the top contenders for the post.
DK Shivakumar’s loyalty to the Congress is one of the primary reasons his supporters believe he has a rightful claim to the Karnataka chief minister’s chair. His loyalty is not only to the party as a whole but also towards the Gandhi family.
Unlike Siddaramiah, Shivakumar has remained a staunch Congress supporter throughout his political career. Recently, he asserted that despite receiving numerous offers to join the BJP, he has adamantly rejected all such advances.
Shivakumar’s efforts have been instrumental in revitalising the Congress in Karnataka, particularly since he assumed the role of the party’s state chief. His strategies and leadership have helped resurrect the party’s influence and standing in the state, a feat that strengthens his claim to the leadership role.
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Another testament to Shivakumar’s commitment to the party is his financial contribution. He personally funded the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Karnataka and other states, and also contributed significantly to the assembly elections. Sources say that these funds came directly from his own pockets, a gesture demonstrating his dedication to the party’s cause.
Furthermore, Shivakumar has proven his skills as a crisis manager for the party. He has been entrusted with the responsibility of managing the political crises not only in Karnataka but also in other states. His ability to handle such critical situations underlines his aptitude for leadership, a quality that could be vital for the Congress in the 2024 polls.
A significant portion of Shivakumar’s support comes from the Vokkaliga community, their strong backing giving him a robust base of support within the state.
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Despite these strong points in favour of Shivakumar, there are important factors working against him.
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Siddaramiah, for instance, is seen as a more influential mass leader than Shivakumar. Moreover, several legal cases, including cases by the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate, are pending against him. He has been jailed in a corruption case. These factors could potentially undermine his claim to the chief minister’s position and pose significant challenges to his bid.
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