Karnataka: Congress’ troubles far from over as miffed seniors buy time

BENGALURU: For now, Congress leadership seem to have managed to silence one segment of dissidents. The party’s troubles, however, are far from over. Miffed at being left from the ministry, many senior leaders are quietly working on strategies to deal with the situation.

After his meeting with Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Saturday, former Water Resources Minister M B Patil has not spoken about dissidence and there is no information about his meeting with MLAs, who he claimed were with him. However, many seniors, who have not identified themselves with M B Patil faction are biding for their time to assert themselves. Senior leaders  H K Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Roshan Baig, Tanvir Sait and many others are upset, but have not openly expressed their displeasure.

“They are so disappointed with the high command that they do not even see any reason go to New Delhi to present their case. In fact, one senior leader refused to go to Delhi despite being called by Ghulam Nabi Azad and K C Venugopal,” a Congress leader, who is privy to the developments in the party told The New Indian Express. “ They are likely to meet after Jayanagar election results are announced and discuss future course of action,” he said.

A former minister from the city confirmed that they will meet after Jayanagar elections to discuss current developments. Though no single leader has taken the initiative to hold meetings to discuss the issue, they seem to be in no mood to take it lying down.

“Out of 27 ministers, including the CM, 10 are from the Vokkaliga community. As many as 14 ministers are from south Karnataka, while there is no representation to 13 districts. What is the logic? The Congress and its leaders interests are not protected. If the situation is not handled properly, the party will have difficult time in the state,” said a Congress leader. Some leaders even blame Siddaramaiah and accuse him of making his followers ministers and securing himself the coordination committee chairman’s job, while not fighting for seniors, who have worked for the party from many years.

Siddaramaiah’s silence on the issue has baffled many in the political circles. When the dissidence drama was unfolding in Bengaluru, so much so that JD (S) leader and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had to visit Congress legislator’s house and assure MLAs of conveying their concerns to Congress high command, Siddaramaiah was touring Badami in north Karnataka.

On its part, the Congress leadership is confident. As per its power sharing understanding with the JD (S), the Congress got 22 out of 34 cabinet berths. Of them, six from Congress and one from JD (S) are yet to be filled. That apart, appointment to boards and corporation too will come in handy for the Congress leadership to placate some of its disgruntled MLAs.

Meanwhile, commenting on the dissidence drama, Labour Minister Venkataramanappa said that though everyone was keen on having cabinet berths, MLAs who have served as ministers in the past should not complain about the opportunities provided to others.