Karnataka Election: DK Shivakumar Wishes Siddaramaiah "All The Best"

One of the two leading candidates for Chief Minister in Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, has abruptly called off a trip to Delhi, adding a new twist to the situation. The 61-year-old was supposed to arrive on Monday but gave the excuse of illness when contacted by the party's central leadership.

'I have confidence that you will deliver Karnataka,' Sonia Gandhi told me. Here I am, completing my usual duties. It would help if you showed some common decency and appreciation, at least. His comments came during an exclusive interview with NDTV. "They should have the decency to acknowledge who is behind the win," he said.

Mr. Shivakumar, when asked what would happen if his action was interpreted as defiance, replied, "I won't blackmail; that's not me." Try not to avoid taking anything in. I'm not a kid anymore. I'm not going to be tricked. After leaders dispatched by the Congress to gauge the mood among party MLAs submitted their report, both leaders were summoned to Delhi by the Central leaders. After the coalition government with HD Kumaraswamy fell apart and nearly 20 MLAs defected to the BJP, he also claimed credit for rebuilding the party. It will be difficult for the Congress to choose between Mr. Shivakumar and Mr. Siddaramaiah without upsetting anyone.