Bengaluru: With Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Dr G. Parameshwar, on the threshold of a record six-year stint as state unit chief of the ruling party, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's camp has reportedly put in place a plan to replace him with former minister and Lingayat leader of north Karnatak, S.R. Patil.
Demand
Events related to the demand for change of guard could gain steam by this month-end when Dr Parameshwar completes six years in office. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader in the Chief Minister's camp observed, “After his (Dr Parameshwar) induction into the cabinet, central leaders of the party chose to appoint working president, Dinesh Gundu Rao.
“Now, if we do not seek a change of guard, then it will be difficult for us to seek his replacement in the days to come.”
Ushering in innovation
The leader added that Mr Rao was working very hard to usher in innovation in the party's internal apparatus.
“Although, Mr Rao has been instrumental in chalking out election related programmes enthusiastically such as Gram Swaraja Nadige or many such planned walkathons across the state, the credit is shared by Mr Siddaramaiah and Dr Parameshwar.
“Hence, the latter too feels that he can continue as Pradesh Congress Committee president till 2018 Assembly polls are completed, but the Chief Minister wants his man at the helm of affairs as such a move will help him gain an upper hand during distribution of tickets.”
Board appointments
The senior leader of the party said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was probably planning to replace Dr Parameshwar this month to coincide with the appointments to be made to the state-owned boards and corporations.
