Bengaluru: With central leaders of Congress getting busy in New Delhi with important issues like appointment of the leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and infighting in states like Assam and Maharashtra Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to earn a breather and use the opportunity to delay further an expansion of the cabinet expansion and appointment of chairmen to state-owned boards and corporations.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader in Delhi said, “central leaders including AICC president Sonia Gandhi are more occupied with issues like National Herald case, as this has become major issue after the Bofors case.
Apart from this, getting the status of the Opposition party in Lok Sabha has become more contentious issue, in which every top leader in Delhi are working over time. So, as of now, there is no scope for anyone to lobby in Delhi.”
The leader said these developments could come as a blessing in disguise for many rebellion groups which were operating in almost all states including Karnataka.
“This is how chief ministers of Maharashtra and Assam will not be disturbed at this juncture and similarly, the party will not act on PCC presidents in Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and many states where party has drawn a blank in Lok Sabha polls,” the leader added.
The leader said such opportunities are very rare in politics, leaders occupying key posts in such situations are likely to carry on rather than ruffle feathers by carrying out exercise like expansion of the cabinet or making key appointments.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may also try and delay the cabinet expansion as this will help him consolidate his position in the party. Besides, Mr Siddaramaiah may go in for an expansion only if it helps him to build his own coterie. In such scenario, he might give away one or two slots for candidates chosen by central leaders while appointing his supporters to other vacant positions.”
