Bangalore:

The battle of Karnataka Chief Minister probables isn't over yet. Many leaders have put their hats in the ring now - including frontrunner Siddaramaiah. A final name is expected after the state Congress legislature party meet later on Friday.

A day after Karnataka's definitive mandate for the Congress, the bouquets and tributes still kept flowing in at Siddaraiamaih's house on Thursday. But the question of whether he will be the Chief Minister or not is keeping him on tenterhooks as the race heats up. For now though, the backward caste leader is putting up a brave face.

There's a hectic lobbying on to crown Union Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge too. The Dalit leader oversaw massive gains in the Hyderabad Karnataka region. While Kharge plays down his hopes, he knows this is his best chance at the post.

And then there are the others who have put their hats into the ring, claiming credit for the party's success.

With so many claimants, the Congress is sending senior leaders AK Antony and Ambika Soni to convene a meeting. And perhaps hold one-on-one consultations too, to get the opinions of influential MLAs. For its choice of a Chief Minister has to bring in stability. And of course, win it a sizable seats in the Lok Sabha elections.

source:http://ibnlive.in.com