Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Jun 18: Former chief minister, leader of the Congress legislature party and chairman of the coalition government's coordination committee, Siddaramaiah, along with deputy chief minister Dr G Parameshwar, have left for New Delhi. The purpose of their visit is purported to be to urge Rahul Gandhi to stay as the party president and withdraw the resignation he had earlier tendered from the post. This was stated by sources within the Congress.
It is also said that Rahul Gandhi had extended invitation to leaders of Congress legislature party from all the states to visit Delhi in order to hold discussions with him towards strengthening the party's organizational structure. On this occasion, Siddaramaiah may hold discussions with Rahul Gandhi about the developments taking place in the state politics after the publication of Lok Sabha election result.
Siddaramaiah, Rahul Gandhi and Dr Parameshwar (file photo)
Several leaders had complained to Rahul, holding Siddaramaiah entirely responsible for the thorough drubbing the party received in Karnataka. Some of the leaders including Roshan Baig had openly launched verbal tirade at the way Siddaramaiah handled the affairs. They had also complained to top leadership of the Congress including Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel.
Some other leaders had pointed out that Siddaramaiah currently holds two positions, which is against the party principles. They also had accused the former chief minister of failing to tackle problems faced by the coalition government, and of trying to create more trouble for the government. They had urged the national leadership to divest him of the post of the chairman of the coordination committee, and to entrust this responsibility to some other senior leader.
BJP leaders have also criticized Siddaramaiah for his silence over the Jindal land allotment issue.
During the recent ministry expansion, senior leaders of the party were overlooked, and two independent MLAs were given these posts. There had been rumblings within the party on this issue. The visit of Siddaramaiah acquires significance because of these developments, and Siddaramaiah might offer explanation for all these charges and allegations against him. Siddaramaiah may also bring to the notice of Rahul that many MLAs are unhappy about the party's decision to form coalition government with JD (S).
In all probability, deputy chief minister Dr G Parameshwar may meet Rahul Gandhi separately and hold discussions with him on various issues.