Karnataka: Dissidence among Congress MLAs fizzling out after Rahul Gandhi meeting

BENGALURU: The dissidence of Congress MLAs over being ignored for cabinet berths appears to be fizzling out following former minister M B Patil’s visit to Delhi to meet AICC president Rahul Gandhi. Yet, the group of dissident MLAs, including AICC secretary Satish Jarkiholi, is expected to hold a meeting at Patil’s residence on Monday.

Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in Badami that the dissidence has been resolved and none of the Congress MLAs were dissatisfied over non-inclusion in the state cabinet.Patil, who had emerged as the leader of a group of dissident MLAs, had to return empty-handed from Delhi as the Congress high command rejected his demands, which included having an additional Dy CM post. Patil told reporters on Sunday that he hadn’t demanded anything from the party high command and was ready to work as an MLA. He, however, maintained that he was representing the group of disgruntled MLAs.

Protest held

Supporters of MLC Pratap Chandra Shetty staged a protest outside DyCM G Parameshwara’s residence on Sunday. The protesters wanted Shetty included in the cabinet.

Diminishing popularity

While even Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had visited Patil’s residence at the peak of dissident activity by Congress MLAs, the number of Congress MLAs holding discussions with him following this visit was lesser in number. On Sunday, save for Chikkodi MP Prakash Hukkeri and Sudhakar, none of the MLAs visited Patil. There were also rumours that the dissident MLAs were distancing themselves from Patil in order to avoid the party’s wrath - which could prevent them from being selected for cabinet berths in the coming days.