Karnataka Assembly elections: Mallikarjun Kharge open to being CM

NEW DELHI: Union Labour Minister and senior leader from Karnataka Mallikarjun Kharge today indicated that he was ready to be considered for the Chief Minister's post following the electoral victory in the state.

"I don't want the post because of my caste (dalit). I am not interested because of long-standing service to the party. If they think that I am fit for the post, then it is upto them to take a decision. I will abide by any decision the high command takes," he said answering questions whether he is in the race for Chief Minister's post.

Kharge, however, added that he was a senior in the party, but whatever decision the Congress President and the leadership takes will be acceptable to him.

"I was leader of the Congress Legislature Party in 2009 and when they asked me to contest Lok Sabha elections I did. Whatever decision the high command takes, I will abide by it," he said.

Asked whom does he favour as Chief Minister, Kharge said he would favour someone from his party.

When pressed further whether he would be okay with Siddaramaiah, who was earlier with JD(S), he said, "In Congress party everyone was capable and whosoever the high command decides we will support."