While Siddaramaiah is said to be backed by a majority of Congress MLAs in Karnataka, DK Shivakumar is being favoured by many due to his performance in the thumping poll win which he led as state unit chief.
While Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar remain the favourites, Congress leader G Parameshwara and Lingayat faces MB Patil, Shamanuru Shivashankarappa and Eshwar Khandre could also be options for the top job in Karnataka
The suspense over the new Karnataka chief minister has intensified with two top contenders - state chief DK Shivakumar and senior leader Siddaramaiah - in the national capital to discuss the issue with the party s national leadership.
Senior Congress leader G Parameshwara has expressed his willingness to be in the fray for the Karnataka CM post, saying if the party's high command gave him the opportunity, he would accept it.