Karnataka polls: Kharge, Siddaramaiah start CM race

New Delhi, May 8 (Agencies): As the Congress romped to victory, partymen began to jostle for the coveted post of the chief minister.

Union Labour Minister and senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge set the ball rolling by indicating that he was ready to be considered for the Chief Minister's post following the electoral victory in the state.

"I don't want the post because of my caste (dalit). I am not interested because of long-standing service to the party. If they think that I am fit for the post, then it is upto them to take a decision. I will abide by any decision the high command takes," he said answering questions whether he is in the race for Chief Minister's post.

Without losing much time, leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly Siddaramaiah declared himself as a "strong contender" for the chief minister's post. "I am one of the strong contenders," said Siddaramaiah, who is facing a challenge from other chief ministerial aspirants.

Siddaramaiah, a backward class leader, said the decision on chief ministership was, however, left to the Congress high command and the legislature party.

Kharge, however, added that he was a senior in the party, but whatever decision the Congress President and the leadership takes will be acceptable to him.

"I was leader of the Congress Legislature Party in 2009 and when they asked me to contest Lok Sabha elections I did. Whatever decision the high command takes, I will abide by it," he said.

Asked whom does he favour as Chief Minister, Kharge said he would favour someone from his party.

When pressed further whether he would be okay with Siddaramaiah, who was earlier with JD(S), he said, "In Congress party everyone was capable and whosoever the high command decides we will support."