Karnataka Board chiefs can thank Dr G Parameshwar, DKS for longer tenure
Bengaluru: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, Dr G. Parameshwar and Energy minister, D.K. Shivakumar late Tuesday night reportedly succeeded in persuading AICC general secretary, Digvijay Singh to extend the term of state-run boards and corporation chairmen.
Both Dr Parameshwar and Mr Shivakumar met Mr Singh last night at Kumarakrupa Guest house, where they briefed him about the political scenario in the state including Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah finally giving in to the long pending demand for making appointments to various posts in boards and corporations.
In a bid to seek extension of the term, both leaders put forth three reasons; first that the chorus for cabinet reshuffle was growing louder than expected, secondly, the boards and corporations have got their full committees just recently and lastly, if the term was not extended at least by six months it would add to the existing confusion.
After giving them a patient hearing, Mr Singh apparently gave a green signal to extend the term of incumbent chairmen by three months instead of Dr Parameshwar’s demand for extending it by at least six months.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader said, “Both leaders apparently argued that the incumbent chairmen have not worked with full-fledged committees under their command therefore, they need an extension.”
Remove me? Try if you can, taunts Diggy
Throwing the gauntlet at those demanding his replacement, AICC general secretary, Digvijay Singh on Wednesday dared his critics to go to New Delhi and take up this issue with AICC president, Sonia Gandhi and AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi.
Speaking to reporters at Kumarakrupa guest House in Bengaluru, Mr Singh quipped, “Yes, I know a very senior leader from this state, A.H. Vishwanath has been demanding my replacement. I respect him for his views.
Whoever is demanding my replacement can come to New Delhi and discuss this with party central leaders. They are free to lodge any complaint against me at any level.
”In response to a question, Mr Singh affirmed that there was no need to talk about change of leadership. “Mr Siddaramaiah will continue. He is doing a good job at this juncture and he is busy tackling the drought,” he added.
