Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 25: Congress high command, which is impressed by the fire fighting skills of former chief minister and chairman of coordination committee, Siddaramaiah, has reportedly decided to entrust to him the responsibility of entering into alliance for the coming Lok Sabha election. Siddaramaiah's image in the party has got a boost after he succeeded in dousing the rebellion that was getting deep-rooted in the party and threatening to derail the government.

On Monday, All India Congress Committee president, Rahul Gandhi, held meeting with the presidents of Pradesh Congress Committees in the state as well as leaders of the legislature party units. KPCC president, Dinesh Gundu Rao, and Siddaramaiah, took part in this meeting. Prolonged discussions about pros and cons of having truck with regional parties were held at the meeting, and Siddaramaiah, who is the leader of the Congress legislature party, was asked to draw up a road map to enter into alliance with JD(S) for the Lok Sabha election, it is gathered.

As the two parties are running the government in Karnataka, the party high command also has planned to face the Lok Sabha election together. Tasks like holding preliminary discussions with JD(S) leaders, beginning preparations for the election depending on the demand being placed by JD(S) for constituencies, putting together all information about the ticket aspirants, preparing strategy to field candidates based on caste calculations, and sending a report to the national leadership have been entrusted to the state leadership.

Congress party, which has begun preparations for the Lok Sabha election, has already formed national level . committees. In all likelihood, the party high command might formulate state-wise committees, it is said.

The ministry expansion is expected to be undertaken after October 10 at the behest of the party's national leadership because of the 'Pitru Paksha' which is considered to be inauspicious as per Hindu traditions. Siddaramaiah and Gundu Rao are expected to fly to New Delhi again to hold discussions before the ministry expansion to finalize the list, sources said.