Bengaluru: Even as the coalition government in the state continues to search for ways to contain the dissension within the Congress party following the recent Cabinet expansion, it could be in for more trouble over the appointment of the heads of boards and corporations.
While the exercise was expected to smoothen ruffled feathers in both parties, differences have reportedly cropped up between the coalition partners over the choice of chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
While the Deve Gowda family seems to be in favour of a former IAS officer, Kari Gowda for the post, and Chief minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy wants to nominate a government officer, L.C. Nagaraj as KPSC member, the Congress appears to have other plans. One section of the party led by Deputy Chief Minister, Dr G. Parameshwara is said to be backing Shadakshara Swami, brother of Suttur Math pontiff , Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami for the post of KPSC chairman, and another section comprising of Vokkaliga leaders want Mr Raghunandan Ramanna for the job.
Mr Ramanna had unsuccessfully contested the last assembly elections in the state, but this is not stopping his supporters from backing him for the post of KPSC chief, according to sources.
Considering their differences over the candidates for this powerful post, the coalition partners may be in for their first litmus test since assuming power in the state, they add.
Unlike the UPSC, the KPSC has for years been mired in controversy over alleged corruption in recruitment of personnel and also in its internal functioning.
It's claimed that its very notoriety is proving attractive to both parties in the coalition government, which reportedly don't want to see it monopolised by the other.
