Admitting that the Congress has failed to encash on the infighting in the ruling BJP, Opposition leader in the Council Motamma is however confident her party will bounce back. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, she said Congress president Sonia Gandhi had assured her that there would be no change in the KPCC president’s post. Excerpts:

Q: Recently, you met Congress president Sonia Gandhi. What did you discuss?
A: I drew her attention to the efforts being made by a section of party leaders to dislodge KPCC president, Dr. G. Parameshwar. She assured me that Dr Parameshwar would not be shunted out. She knows what’s happening in the KPCC. Dalit leaders including me have achieved top posts which some cannot digest.

Q: Who are those trying to dislodge Dr Parameshwar?
A: I do not want to name anyone. Some leaders talk of social justice but actually do not want this. To prevent this, we are planning a Dalit and minority rally.
Q: There is a perception that Congress has failed to encash on the infighting in the BJP.
A: This is true to some extent. But we will not keep quiet. Committed Congress workers are doing their best to make the best of the infighting.

Q: During the last Session, the Opposition had boycotted tainted ministers. Will the boycott continue this time too in the Upper House?
A: No, we will not oppose them this time as a few leaders of our party too are facing similar charges.

Q:You say RSS is controlling the government.
A: The RSS interference in the administration became evident after Sadananda Gowda became CM as they do not want Yeddyurappa to make a comeback. We are opposed to any RSS intervention.

Q: What’s your plan to win the Udupi-Chikmagalur seat?
A: People in Chikmagalur have realised that BJP MLAs have done nothing for them. BJP MLAs like C.T. Ravi and M.P. Kumaraswamy have amassed huge assets. We will highlight the Rs 280 crore package of the Centre for coffee growers.