Karnataka board posts: CM Siddaramaiah, KPCC chief at war
Dr Parameshwar wants to reward party workers, while Siddu prefers to appoint supporters of MLAs.
BENGALURU: Consensus could not be arrived at on the long-overdue nomination of ruling party candidates to state-owned boards and corporations in the light of differences between Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, and KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar, with the latter walking out of the meeting in a huff on Wednesday.
Sources in Congress said Mr Siddaramaiah reportedly insisted on rewarding supporters of MLAs and MPs while Dr Parameshwar batted for party workers. The process of nominations has been deferred thrice in as many three years after the Congress was voted to power in May 2013.
Dr Parameshwar left the venue without offering any reaction to media persons, triggering speculation that all was not well between these two leaders.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader in the CM's camp disclosed that though Mr Siddaramaiah demonstrated "unexceptional" interest in completing this process but at hindsight, he wished that this process be dragged until chairmen of state run boards and corporations end their term.
"As planned the term of chairmen is scheduled to end in another two or three months. Therefore, Mr Siddaramaiah intends to please a large section of MLAs and MPs by appointing their supporters instead of party workers," the leader pointed out.
The leader added that Mr Siddaramaiah was also closeted with his camp-followers during the last two days and reportedly held one-on-one telephonic conversation with MLAs and MPs to gauge their mood over these appointments.
"Many MLAs and MPs reportedly welcomed Mr Siddaramaiah's proposal of having full-fledged appointments for boards and corporations instead of a piece-meal job. Mr Siddaramaiah's decision augurs well with his plan to effect an image makeover for his government,” the leader added.
CM Siddaramaiah ropes in Belur MLA to counter KPCC chief
A day after KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar, gave a clean chit to legislators who hosted a dinner meeting here last week, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah roped in Belur MLA, Rudresh Gowda, to indirectly slam the leader on Wednesday.
Speaking to the media after his meeting with Mr Siddaramaiah here, Mr Gowda said “What is the use of such meetings? Why should the party not take serious note of these activities? I believe that all 122 MLAs should be like-minded and a faction can not term itself like-minded group.”
Sources in the party said Mr Siddaramaiah’s camp followers used Mr Rudresh Gowda to attack Dr Parameshwar. Mr Gowda observed that though several such groups emerged in the last three years none could stop Mr Siddaramaiah. “He will remain in the saddle. Mr Siddaramaiah will continue as CM for the rest of the term,” he said in response to a question.
