The Who’s Who in the Congress party gathered under one roof on Saturday in a show of unity that should have set to rest all speculation that this was a house divided. But the smiles for the camera soon faded and the meeting heard loud voices and acrimony over the poll management during the Legislative Council polls which left the party red faced after the party candidate, Iqbal Ahmed Saradagi, selected by the party high command was soundly defeated.
But the party’s top bosses moved quickly to make amends, with AICC general secretary in-charge for Karnataka, Madhusudan Mistry and KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar reportedly apologizing to the party leaders for the debacle. Giving a hint that the party’s top leaders were determined to not let things get out of hand, they also set at rest speculation over change of leadership in Karnataka. Congress secretary in-charge of the state unit, V. Hanumantha Rao, on Saturday said Pradesh Congress Committee president Dr G. Parameshwar and leader of the legislature party, Siddaramaiah, would continue in their posts till next year’s polls to the Legislative Assembly.
Speaking to media after a heated meeting of the state core committee here, Mr Rao said, “Let there be no ambiguity over continuation of Dr Parameshwar or leader of the opposition, Siddaramaiah. They will continue to serve in the same position till we face the Assembly elections.” Painting a picture of unity in the run-up to next year’s Assembly polls, KPCC president, Dr Parameshwar explained that four Union ministers from Karnataka, AICC general secretaries, Members of Parliament, and other prominent leaders would collectively campaign for the party.
Interestingly, Dr Parameshwar and Mr Siddaramaiah asserted that the state unit would not forge a pre-poll alliance with Janata Dal (S) ahead of next year’s polls. “Our party’s vote share is not restricted to one or two communities, but is spread across all communities, including Vokkaligas and Lingayats. Our primary objective is to consolidate that vote share,” they said.