Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Sep 11: Congress high command is learnt to have stopped deputy chief minister, Dr G Parameshwar, from undertaking his planned foreign tour. It did so as it feels that the state government is in a precarious situation now, sources said.
Dr Parameshwar was to leave for San Francisco to take part in a programme relating to global warming, which was to be held for three days from September 10. He was also to present his thoughts on the subject. He suddenly cancelled his foreign visit, and if sources are to be believed, he was asked by the party high command to do so.
As per the decision taken at the last coordination committee meeting, ministry expansion is to take place during the third week of September. The process is likely to gain momentum as soon as Siddaramaiah returns from his overseas visit. The national leadership feels that it is not advisable for Parameshwar to go away at a time signals emanating from Jarkiholi brothers from Belagavi are ominous. The behind-the-scene activities going on have worried the party leadership and it does not want to take any chances. It is learnt that the high command has told Parameshwar to stay put in Bengaluru, keep watch on the movement of the legislators, and see that secret meeting of dissident legislators is not held, by taking the individual MLAs into confidence.
Parameshwar, who has cancelled his visit abroad, is likely to hold meeting with party MLAs shortly. Last week he had arranged breakfast meeting with them but had cancelled it at the last minute as many legislators were in their constituencies. Under instructions from the national leadership, he is expected to hold a meeting of MLAs within a couple of days, it is gathered.
It is said that the high command had noted down moves of Jarkiholi brothers and wants Parameshwar to manage them till Siddaramaiah, who has promised to sort out the issue on his return, comes back from Europe as Jarkiholi brothers are perceived to close to Siddaramaiah and they respect his opinions and advice.