After repeatedly demanding the ouster of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, Dr G. Parameshwar, Lingayat legislators are likely to settle for the post of working president for their leader and former treasurer Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Sources in Congress told Deccan Chronicle that nearly dozen Lingayat legislators would land in New Delhi next week to mount pressure on central leaders on the issue of change of leadership in Karnataka.
They would also seek an appointment with party president Sonia Gandhi who has agreed to meet Mr Shivashankarappa between August 17 and 20. “We have been assured that Mrs Gandhi will hear us depending on her convenience next week,” the sources added. The sources said the party leaders are likely to appoint Mr Shivashankarappa as the working president in order to woo Lingayat voters rather than give in to their demand to replace Dr Parameshwar.
They have held several meetings in recent months and projected the veteran Congressman as their leader. On his part, Mr Shivashankarappa has spoken to Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on the need to appoint a Lingayat leader like him to win over Lingayat voters. “On one hand Vokkaligas are bent upon portraying external affairs minister S.M. Krishna as saviour of Congress party in the state. So, we have reached a point where we cannot keep quiet. If we do, then we will be further marginalised in the party. So, it is fight to survive politically as well as to secure a formidable position in the party as well. Therefore, we chose to project Mr Shivashankarappa as our leader. He has been loyal to party for more than four decades, and is also well connected in AICC,” the sources added.
The sources pointed out that the party would not be able to come to defeat the BJP because of the ruling party’s resources and its clout with Lingayat maths. “Mr Shivankarappa has good connections with Lingayat maths and commands the respect of wealthy businessmen. So, all these factors will work in his favour,” they added.
The sources said the Lingayat leader would forge a formidable combination along with leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Siddaramaiah, and thus counter the influence of Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and deputy chief minister K.S. Eshwarappa, particularly in north Karnataka. “If Lingayat leaders and Mr Siddaramaiah join hands, they will be able to ensure victory in at least 60 to 70 seats in the Assembly elections,” the sources added.