Leadership Tussle Emerges in Karnataka Congress: Rayrareddy Stakes Claim for CM Post

Senior Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayrareddy from Yelburga expresses desire for the chief minister's post in Karnataka amid potential leadership changes. Despite his support for incumbent CM Siddaramaiah, Rayrareddy believes he is a strong contender if the party decides to choose a Lingayat leader from the Kalyana-Karnataka region.

In Karnataka's political landscape, a new contender has emerged for the chief minister's post. Senior Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayrareddy from Yelburga publicly announced his aspiration for the top position, adding that he supports the continuation of incumbent CM Siddaramaiah.

Rayrareddy, who currently serves as Siddaramaiah's financial adviser, highlighted his seniority and Lingayat community affiliation as key factors in his potential candidacy. He emphasized that he and B R Patil are the most senior Lingayat MLAs from the Hyderabad-Karnataka (Kalyana-Karnataka) region.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court is set to hear Siddaramaiah's challenge against Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's sanction for prosecution in the MUDA site allotment case, as Congress leaders brace for possible leadership changes. Names like Deputy CM D K Shivakumar and Home Minister G Parameshwara are also being considered for the role.

(With inputs from agencies.)