BENGALURU, 10 JAN

Minister for Cooperation KN Rajanna on Friday suggested that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar should become chief minister for the full five years after winning the next Assembly polls under his leadership, rather than eyeing the post for the remaining two-and-half years of the current government's tenure.

Rajanna made the comments after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recently held a dinner for select Dalit and ST Cabinet colleagues. The event had triggered speculations within the party about a possible change of guard in the state after March, under a "rotational chief minister" or "power-sharing" formula.

Rajanna, who is considered to be close to Siddaramaiah, was also part of the dinner meeting.

On his part, Shivakumar has made no secret of his ambition to become the CM.

"As a human being, the desire for power is natural. I don't feel Shivakumar showing interest or desire for the chief minister post is wrong. The previous (2023) election fought was under the leadership of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, and people blessed us (Congress)," Rajanna said.

"Let's face the next Assembly polls under Shivakumar's leadership. When the party comes to power under his leadership, let him be the chief minister for the full five years. Why fight for two-and-half years now?" Rajanna said.

Asked if he will be a minister in Shivakumar's Cabinet if there is a chance, Rajanna said he does not intent to contest anymore elections.

There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the CM's post after the declaration of election results in May 2023, and the Congress managed to convince the latter to be content with the position of deputy chief minister.

There were rumours then that a compromise had been reached between the two on a "rotational chief minister formula," according to which DKS will become the CM after two-and-half years.