Bengaluru, Congress MLA Ashok Pattan on Wednesday fuelled speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, by saying that there was quite a possibility of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar becoming the next chief minister.
Hinting at a major Cabinet reshuffle under the new leadership, Pattan also said around 15 to 20 ministers from the existing Cabinet may have to make way to accommodate new faces, while asserting that there was no possibility of voting in the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting and that the new leader would be elected unanimously.
"Yes, there is a 100 per cent possibility. There is definitely an expectation," the Ramdurg MLA told reporters in Bengaluru when asked whether Shivakumar was likely to become the Chief Minister.
"The Cabinet exercise is underway. Under the new Chief Minister, all new ministers will also be included. We are hopeful that we too may be accommodated," he said.
Asked whether the existing Cabinet would continue or undergo changes, Pattan said around 15-20 people from the old team are likely to be changed.
Stating that such changes were necessary to create opportunities for new aspirants, he said the party leadership has to do it; otherwise, new faces will not get a chance.
"Our request to the new chief minister is to consider all of us and give priority to newcomers like us," he added.
When asked if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigns will that be a shock, the MLA said such developments were not unusual in the Congress party.
"It is not shocking for Siddaramaiah either. Such developments keep happening in our party. Things like this have happened many times before," he said.
Pattan underlined that Siddaramaiah had always maintained that he would step down if directed by the party high command.
Asked about the likely timing of the CLP meeting and whether there could be voting to elect the next leader, Pattan ruled out any contest.
"If the CLP is convened, all MLAs will remain united. Then a name will emerge strongly, we will propose it, and automatically it will happen," he added.
Pattan also said the identity of the next chief minister would likely become clear within two days.
