Third Contender Emerges in Karnataka CM Race Amid Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Tensions

BENGALURU — As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faces mounting pressure over corruption allegations and calls for his resignation from the opposition, a new political twist has surfaced in Karnataka. While the rivalry between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar for the top post is widely known, another Congress leader has thrown his hat into the ring for the chief ministership.

Minister Sharanappa Darshanapur’s Ambition

Karnataka’s Minister for Small-Scale Industries and Public Enterprises, Sharanappa Darshanapur, has publicly expressed his readiness to assume the chief minister’s role if the party leadership directs him. Speaking to the media, Darshanapur said, “There are 136 legislators in the party, and all are eligible to become ministers. If the chief minister’s post becomes vacant and the high command asks me to take the position, I will be ready."

Darshanapur is not the first Congress leader to signal his interest in the top post. Several others have either hinted at or openly expressed their desire to become the state’s next chief minister, fueling a political frenzy within the party.

Campaign for Satish Jarkiholi as CM

Meanwhile, the support for Satish Jarkiholi, another Congress leader, has gained momentum. His supporters have launched a campaign to advocate for Jarkiholi’s appointment as the next chief minister of Karnataka. This campaign extends beyond social media, with advertisements placed in newspapers promoting Jarkiholi as a strong candidate for the post. The campaign, supported by the Rajneesh Acharya Foundation, has urged the people of Belagavi to back Jarkiholi in his bid for the top job.

M.B. Patil’s Candidacy

Adding to the intrigue, Karnataka Minister M.B. Patil also weighed in, suggesting that he could one day occupy the chief minister’s chair. Patil, while acknowledging that the position is currently filled, stated, "The question of seniority or juniority doesn’t matter if the party decides. I believe that I will eventually hold the CM post."

Corruption Allegations Against Siddaramaiah

As these internal dynamics unfold, CM Siddaramaiah remains embroiled in corruption allegations, including the so-called "Muda scam." The opposition has intensified its demands for his resignation, even staging protests in the assembly. However, Siddaramaiah has consistently denied the accusations, calling them baseless.

With rising internal competition and external pressures, Karnataka’s political landscape is becoming increasingly volatile, as the race for the next chief minister heats up within the Congress party.