Congress groups clash in front of Parameshwara at KGF

Factionalism in the Kolar district unit of the Congress came out in the open on Friday, a day ahead of AICC president Rahul Gandhi’s campaign in the district.

Supporters of two ticket aspirants from the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) Assembly constituency engaged in a war of words in front of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president G. Parameshwara when he visited KGF to inspect preparations for Mr. Gandhi’s programme in the city.

KPCC vice-president and spokesperson V.R. Sudarshan was also present, among others.

Supporters of Roopakala and A. Srinivas, who are ticket aspirants for the seat, raised slogans hailing their respective leaders and demanding ticket for them.

Annoyed by the sudden development, Dr. Parameshwara warned party functionaries not to indulge in such activities. “The party is yet to take a decision on the candidate for the segment,” he said.

Though the KPCC maintained that candidate has not been selected yet, supporters of Mr. Srinivas are upset by the reported statement of MP for Kolar K.H. Muniyappa that his daughter Ms. Roopakala would contest from KGF.

A couple of days ago, a section of party functionaries gheraoed Mr. Muniyappa during a meeting in Kolar, alleging that he was spoiling the party’s prospects in the Kolar segment by supporting Independent legislator Varthur Prakash.