Hubballi: Soon after Siddaramaiah’s resignation was confirmed, supporters and well-wishers of ministers from North Karnataka launched online and offline campaigns seeking the deputy chief minister post for their leader. Even seers have joined these efforts, issuing open video appeals to secure the DCM post for their MLA. HK Patil, MB Patil, Priyank Kharge, Satish Jarkiholi, Eshwar Khandre and others from the region are said to be in the race.Supporters of HK Patil, among the state’s senior-most ministers, are pitching for him, citing his legislative career since 1984 and experience as MLC, MLA and minister handling portfolios such as parliamentary affairs, law, RDPR, water resources, agriculture, tourism and textiles. Hundreds backed him in response to a query on gadag.online, a Facebook page. However, the Congress appears divided in Gadag, with another faction seeking a ministerial berth for Ron MLA GS Patil, a four-time legislator.A social media campaign is also backing MB Patil, who has held key portfolios including water resources, home and industries, for the DCM post in DK Shivakumar’s government. Though his supporters planned an offline campaign, Patil reportedly instructed them not to lobby. “It may embarrass the party,” said an aide.Seers of Ati Hindulida Mathadheeshara Mahasabha, Kameshwar Swamiji of Chittapur Math and others issued video appeals backing Priyank Kharge. Community bodies have urged the high command to elevate him. Supporters also held a special pooja in Kalaburagi as the ‘Priyank for DCM’ campaign gained traction.In Bidar, Eshwar Khandre’s supporters issued statements supporting his claim, expressing confidence that he would represent Kalyana Karnataka. Backers of Satish Jarkiholi have gone further, demanding both the DCM post and KPCC presidentship, alongside temple rituals by various groups.
