BENGALURU: A day after leaders of Congress and Janata Dal (S) signed an agreement for smooth functioning of the coalition government, KPCC president Dr G. Parameshwar on Saturday clarified that discussions on the pre-poll pact for next year’s Lok Sabha polls are yet to commence, also conceded that he was going to give up the post he had held for nigh on eight years.
Dr Parameshwar told the media on the sidelines of office bearer's meeting convened to introspect about the party's performance during the recent Assembly elections, that an alliance with JD (S) was struck with the intention of defeating the BJP in 2019.
"We have forged an alliance with JD(S) for Lok Sabha elections, too, to keep the BJP away from power but we have not discussed any seat sharing pact yet. Leaders of both parties will sit across the table and decide on the seats (to be listed as part of the agreement)," he added.
On the appointment of new KPCC president Dr Parameshwar declared that he is ready to hand over the baton whenever the party decides to appoint a new leader in his place adding that he had no qualms in handing over charge as he occupied the post for almost eight years. "There are many aspirants for the post, and many of them are more capable than me," he added, amid speculation that former CM Siddaramaiah wanted his close aide S.R. Patil to take over even as D.K.Shivakumar was also angling for the post.
Dr Parameshwar also scotched rumours about a rift over allocation of portfolios, stating that the Congress secured 22 ministries, and candidates would be chosen from among them without any hassles.
Contrary to reports that youngsters will garner a lion's share of the berths, a blend of young and experienced legislators of Congress will make it to the cabinet, says deputy chief minister Dr G Parameshwar.
Speaking to the media, Dr Parameshwar conceded that some had expressed support for more youngsters joining the ministry instead of veterans.
“It is perfectly all right to express one's views. As PCC president, I have forwarded all views expressed in this regard (cabinet formation). There is also another view doing rounds that those who have been ministers twice must be dropped and preference be given to youngsters. But I feel that the cabinet will be perfect mix of experience and youth.” In response to a question on raids carried out by officers of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on premises of supporters of party leader D. K. Shivakumar and his brother and Member of Parliament, D. K. Suresh, he said he was not aware of the agency pressurising those questioned to link Mr Suresh with alleged illegal conversion of demonetised currency. He, however, denounced attempts to frame a person in the name of investigation and interrogation.
“It is a fact that the Centre is misusing the CBI,” he added.
