DK Shivakumar meets Mallikarjun Kharge amid Karnataka CM race - What did they discuss?

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar met with Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday as the party continues deliberations for the Chief Ministerial post. Unconfirmed reports citing sources suggest that the party has offered him the Deputy CM post and several key portfolios while his 'rival' gets the top post. Congress officials have so far denied reports that indicate Siddaramaiah will take over the top post. 

According to reports quoting sources, Shivakumar has taken a 'CM or nothing' stance on the topic. While he did not object to Kharge becoming the Chief Minister of Karnataka, the state chief insisted that he would sit as an MLA in the Assembly if any other route was taken. Shivakumar had reportedly told Kharge that he was not ready to take up the Deputy CM post. 

He also wondered ‘what Siddaramaiah has done in 3 years’ and sought a full five year tenure.

“Since Siddaramaiah has come (joined Congress), he has been in power either as the LoP or as CM so much so that even you could not be CM,” News 18 quoted him as telling Kharge. 

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Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah had both reached Delhi earlier this week as the Congress basked in its landslide victory. Since Monday the duo have met separately with top party leaders including Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Shivakumar is set to meet with Kharge and Rahul Gandhi yet again on Wednesday evening. 

Meanwhile security was stepped up in Shivakumar's home district of Ramanagara on Wednesday. The precautionary measure was taken in light of his supporters staging protests at multiple places as some media outlets claimed that he lost the race for the Chief Minister's post to Siddaramaiah.

(With inputs from agencies)