Bengaluru: The state Congress may play it safe and continue with Dr G. Parameshwar as KPCC president-provided the party top brass is able to overcome the pressure from loyalists of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to make Vokkaliga leader and law minister T.B. Jayachandra the new Congress chief.
What could work to the advantage of Dr Parameshwar, are the attempts being made by BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa to woo the community with a frenzy during his Karnataka tour, after the stunning defeat of Dalit veteran and BJP candidate V. Srinivasprasad in the Nanjangud bypoll. Who else could the Congress project to counter the sudden love of the saffron party for the Dalits, the largest community in the state, than the home minister, a Dalit?
But sources said Jayachandra has emerged as the dark horse as he is an acceptable face for most Congress leaders and could be the ideal foil to energy minister D.K. Shivakumar- another Vokkaliga leader and a strong contender for KPCC president. With the amenable Jayachandra in the hot seat during the 2018 Assembly polls, the CM’s camp can ensure Siddaramaiah has his way in candidate selection and does not have to give in to the Shivakumar.
The other dominant community, the Lingayats, have been placated, assume Congress leaders, after Basangouda Badarli-a Lingayat- won the state Youth Congress president’s poll.
A senior leader from New Delhi disclosed that though several names are doing the rounds for KPCC president, there is no clarity yet on the final choice. “Dr Parameshwar’s chances of remaining party chief look bright after the BJP, both at the national and state level, started wooing Dalits like never before. He might just be asked to continue as president even if he has to resign as home minister. After this, the party may give the green signal to Siddaramiah to carry out a Cabinet expansion to fill vacant berths,” the leader added. In fact, Dr Parameshwar had indicated a few months ago that he would prefer remaining Congress state president even if it meant sacrificing his ministerial berth.
Storm in Ballari Congress hits the roof
It was the turn of Ballari Congress leaders to explode in front of AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal on Tuesday, a day after warring leaders in Belagavi proved that the high command would have to stretch every sinew to resolve differences. With the district Congress divided into four camps, Venugopal directed leaders not to go overboard while making allegations and not to get too ‘friendly’ with the BJP’s Reddy brothers.
