Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Apr 10: BJP has already appointed former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa as its state president. Congress party, which has been delaying the appointment of its state president, has been compelled to make the appointment as it does not want to be seen as a party with ‘delays in decisions.’

Congress leadership in the state as well as the high commend in New Delhi have taken the appointment of Yeddyurappa seriously. At the same time, the aspirants have also started their home work. Their supporters have already begun their ground work. The Congress leadership, which was delaying the appointment with its own reasons, has decided to appoint the president as soon as possible, it is learnt.

Dr Parameshwar’s term has already ended. He has been continuing in the position in addition to his new role of home minister. There are people from three communities, Lingayat, Vokkaliga and Dalit, who are eyeing for the top post.

Some aspirants from the Lingayat community have demanded that, to give a tough time to Yeddyurappa, a person from their community should be appointed. They say otherwise Congress party will lose Lingayat votes because of Yeddyurappa. Some leaders including the chief minister have been convinced by this argument, say sources.

Siddaramaih’s group has recommended the names of S R Patil and Appaji Nadagouda. Youth leaders Rizwan and Krishna Byregowda have begun supporting M B Patil. Though these backing of Lingayat leaders started before the appointment of Yeddyurappa, now it has gained momentum. But some Congress leaders feel that both S R Patil and M B Patil will not be able to take on Yeddyurappa and appointing Lingayat leader to beat Yeddyurappa may not be an appropriate tactic. They want a Dalit or a Vokkaliga leader to the party president.

But energy minister D K Shivakumar believes in his own energy and power. He thinks only Vokkaliga leadership can save Congress and attract Vokkaliga votes especially from JD (S) which has become ‘weak’. Naturally he is the contender for the post.

Meanwhile some leaders say that Dr Parameshwar should continue as much as possible. They think Dalit leadership will help the party. They feel, if Dr Parameshwar has to leave, then one among PWD minister H C Mahadevappa and Chamarajanagar MLA Dhruva Narayan can be appointed as party president. Both of them have shown interest, sources say.

But there are rumours that Congress will not play a simple drama this time. It will field more actors in the form of party president and party working president from two different communities. This will help to woe voters from two powerful communities. Will the congress completely ignore Lingayat and appoint Vokkaliga and Dalit combination or will it try Lingayat Vokkaliga combination or will it be Lingayat Dalit combination or will it be one community appointment, are the questions remain to be answered.

Will the leadership wait till elections in five states and AICC session are over, is still a speculation.