Senior MLA Shivashankarappa Eyes Karnataka CM Post Amid Leadership Speculations

Senior Congress MLA Shamanuru Shivashankarappa expressed his willingness to contest for the Chief Minister post in Karnataka if there's leadership change and legislative support. Despite supporting incumbent CM Siddaramaiah's administration, Shivashankarappa hinted at his interest while Siddaramaiah reassured his continuity in the position amid legal challenges.

Senior Congress MLA Shamanuru Shivashankarappa on Wednesday declared his intention to run for the Chief Minister post if the legislators support him, following a potential leadership change in Karnataka.

The 93-year-old MLA praised incumbent CM Siddaramaiah's administration, emphasizing, 'let him continue until he has the blessings of the high command.'

'If the situation comes, I will also contest; I won't leave,' Shivashankarappa told reporters, highlighting that majority support from elected legislators and high command approval are crucial. Notably, his son S S Mallikarjun serves as a Minister in the Siddaramaiah Cabinet, while his daughter-in-law Prabha Mallikarjun is the Davangere MP.

As Siddaramaiah's petition against the Governor's sanction for prosecution in a site allotment case is being reviewed by the High Court, speculation about leadership change has surfaced. Shivashankarappa expressed his readiness to join the race for Chief Minister if needed, but Siddaramaiah firmly asserted that the position is not vacant and he will continue in office.