Will Work As Ordinary MLA If No Top Post, DK Shivakumar Told Congress Chief: Sources

"If I do not get the Chief Minister's post, I am ready to work as an ordinary MLA," sources quoted DK Shivakumar as telling Mallikarjun Kharge.

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar is understood to have told party president Mallikarjun Kharge this evening that he is ready to work as an "ordinary MLA" if he does not get the Chief Minister's post. Sources said while Mr Shivakumar presented his case for the top post, he had also pointed out that Mr Kharge himself, despite his stature and position, never became a Chief Minister.

"I don't mind if you become the Chief Minister," sources quoted him as telling Mr Kharge during their one-on-one this evening.

Mr Shivakumar also said he has not been told that his arch-rival and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be the next Chief Minister. But his opinion was asked on the issue.

"If I do not get the Chief Minister's post, I am ready to work as an ordinary MLA. Ever since Siddaramaiah joined the party, he has always been in power, either as an LOP or as the Chief Minister," sources quoted him as telling Mr Kharge.