Single list a way to quell dissidence in one go?

The widespread dissidence brewing within the party is not unexpected for the Congress. Insiders say that it was, in fact, one of the reasons why the party chose to announce the candidates for nearly all the 224 constituencies (barring five) in one go instead of doing it in instalments.

Party insiders said this is to ensure that the Congress is able to quell the dissidence and resentment among the aspirants well ahead of the last day of filing nominations. Sources said the party has formed four teams (one in each division of Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kalaburgi, and Belagavi) to speak to dissidents and pacify them.

KPCC working president Dinesh Gundu Rao said local leaders in the constituencies where party workers are upset had been entrusted with the task of pacifying them.

“There was no dispute for nearly 70 constituencies as they had only single applicants. But dissidence was expected for the rest. Moreover, with recent party hoppers also being accommodated, most old-timers are bound to be upset. If we make the announcement in instalments, there are chances of the discontentment further brewing and stretching beyond the last day for filing nominations,” said a party source.

Kharge upset

Sources said veteran Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha M. Mallikarjun Kharge is also upset over the high command not considering the names of his nominees. On Monday, in Bengaluru, he refused to comment on the issue.

However, both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC chief G. Parameshwara said the dissidence was not unexpected and all efforts would be made to pacify the disgruntled aspirants. The Chief Minister said: “They will be pacified.”