Parameshwara joins race, claims support of 50 MLAs

Amid intense lobbying for the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka, senior Congress leader G Paraeshwara on Tuesday said he was ready to take up the responsibility if the party high command asked him to run the government.

The former state Congress President said, the high command is aware of his service to the party, and he doesn’t feel the need to lobby for the post.

“If the high command decides and asks me to run the government, I’m ready to take up the responsibility,” the former Deputy Chief Minister told reporters here.

“I have faith in the party’s high command. I have certain principles. I can also take about 50 legislators and do the shouting, but for me the discipline of the party is important. If people like us don’t follow things, there won’t be any discipline in the party. I have said that if the high command gives me the responsibility, I will take it up. I have not said I won’t.”, he said.

“They (high command) too are aware that I have worked for the party, served it for eight years (as KPCC President), and brought it to power (in 2013). Also, I have served as the Deputy Chief Minister. They know everything, there is nothing for us to say afresh. So I feel there is no need for me to ask for the post or lobby for it, and I’m quiet. That doesn’t mean I’m incapable, I’m capable and if given an opportunity will do the job,” he added.

State Congress President DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are locked in an intense power struggle over who will lead the government, after the Congress stormed to power by winning 135 seats in the May 10 elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly.

Both the leaders are in Delhi to discuss with the party central leadership on the government formation and the next CM.

With inputs from News18