THE suspense over the new Karnataka Chief Minister intensified on Monday as State Congress president D K Shivakumar cancelled his visit to the national capital citing health issues after he and Siddaramaiah, both frontrunners for the top post, were called by the central leadership for discussions. The three central observers, who interacted with party MLAs on their choice forthe CM’s postafter the Congress Legislature Party meeting on Sunday, briefed party chief MallikarjunKhargeand submitted their report. After the meeting, RandeepSurjewala,AICCincharge for Karnataka, told reporters that the party will announce its decision by Tuesday evening. “The observers have submitted the report to the Congress President.

 

We will hold consultations with all senior state leaders, including Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, and afterthat a decision will be taken by the CongressPresident,”hesaid. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were called by the party high command for further discussion on Government formation. Siddaramaiah arrived this afternoon in the national capital but Shivakumar cancelled his visit citing health reasons. “I have some problem in the stomach.Doctoris coming in 10 minutes. It’s burning. It looks like some infection and I haveafever..... Please let me be free...,” he told reporters. Late on Monday night, Shivakumar’s brother and CongressMPDKSureshmet partyPresidentKhargeatthe latter’sresidenceinDelhiand thereaftertoldreporters that the State party chief will be visiting Delhi on Tuesday