Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Mar 10: State Congress chief Dr Parameshwar who visited New Delhi on Wednesday to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi, reportedly told her that CM's expensive watch issue and poor strategy adapted by Siddaramaiah regime contributed to the average performance of Congress in the state in the recently concluded zilla panchayat (ZP) and taluk panchayat (TP) elections.

Sonia was not happy with Dr Parameshwar and his team handing the watch row in the state before the elections. Sonia's anger on the watch issue could be seen on her face. She said that the watch issue could have handled differently, sources said.

Sonia also expressed her unhappiness for the defeat of Rahman Sharief the Congress candidate in the Assembly bypoll from the Hebbal constituency in Bengaluru. Rahman, being the grandson of former union minister C K Jaffer Sharief, had increased his prospects of winning the bypoll, but that was not the case.

Speaking on future strategy, Dr Parameshwar explained to Sonia Gandhi that there is a need to have a pact with JD(S) to gain power in at least four districts in zilla panchayats. He felt that BJP will take advantage of the situation if the Congress and JD(S) do not join hands.

Dr Parameshwar who met the media after his visit with Sonia Gandhi said that he met Sonia with regard to the properties belonging to Congress party in all states including Karnataka. “Sonia Gandhi has been holding meetings in order to draft a clear policy on this issue." he said. He did not mention other details of his meeting with Sonia.

Meanwhile Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru said that he was aware of Dr Parameshwar’s New Delhi visit "He left for New Delhi after meeting me. His New Delhi visit is not unexpected as projected by some quarters. He told me that he would be meeting Sonia Gandhi to discuss about current issues in the state.” Siddaramaiah said speaking to reporters.