Karnataka CM Race: Bihar Minister Offers Glimpse Into Congress High Command's Stance on D.K. Shivakumar

The political pot in Karnataka continues to boil, a veritable cauldron of suspense as the Congress party navigates the crucial decision of who will lead the state as Chief Minister. With the party having secured a decisive mandate, all eyes are on the two main contenders, D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, and the intense lobbying underway. But now, an intriguing voice from Bihar has seemingly offered a peek into the high command's thinking, stirring the debate even further.

Shakeel Ahmad Khan, a respected Congress minister from Bihar, has publicly thrown his weight behind D.K. Shivakumar, making a rather bold assertion. According to Khan, there's a strong indication that the party's top brass, the high command itself, views Shivakumar as the preferred candidate for the Chief Minister's chair. This isn't just idle speculation on his part; Khan elaborated on why he believes this to be the case, pointing to Shivakumar's long-standing dedication and unwavering loyalty to the party.

You see, for Khan, Shivakumar isn't just another leader; he’s a loyal soldier who has consistently stood by the Congress through thick and thin. He particularly highlighted Shivakumar's pivotal role in safeguarding the party's interests and keeping its flock together in Karnataka following the 2018 elections. Remember that precarious time? It was Shivakumar, many believe, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prevent defections and ensure the party's stability. Such unwavering commitment, Khan argued, simply doesn't go unnoticed by the high command.

In contrast, while acknowledging Siddaramaiah as a senior and seasoned leader, Khan subtly drew a distinction, mentioning his past move from the JD(S) to the Congress. This subtle nod to Siddaramaiah's political journey implies that while his experience is valuable, Shivakumar's unbroken loyalty might just give him an edge in the eyes of the party's ultimate decision-makers. It’s a delicate balance, weighing experience against a proven, long-term commitment to the party's core.

Ultimately, as Khan stressed, the final word, the big decision, rests solely with the Congress high command. They are acutely aware of every leader’s contributions, their sacrifices, and their track records. This isn't a choice made lightly, nor is it based on fleeting popularity alone. It’s about who can best lead the state, unite the party, and fulfill the promises made to the people of Karnataka. While the official announcement awaits, Khan's comments certainly offer an interesting perspective, perhaps even a hint, at the direction the high command might be leaning.