Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Aug 13: After the issue of misuse of funds collected by the Congress for the flood-affected people of North Karnataka hogged headlines for a few weeks a couple of months back, the Congress high command had decided to replace Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, R V Deshpande, and working president, D K Shivakumar. Preparations had been set into motion to find suitable candidates in their places before July 15. However, the Padayatra to Bellary, which came as a blessing in disguise for both of them, has stopped their heads from rolling, at least for the time being.

The organizational elections had been set into motion by the party sometime back. The Padayatra seems to have worked wonders for the party, and it appears to have the potential of changing the sagging image of the party in the state. As a result, the party leaders have decided not to go in for effecting a change in the top leadership at the state level at present, it is learnt. It is gathered that the high command of the party now wants to use the momentum gained from the Padayatra to its advantage, and mobilize people everywhere to strengthen the party in all the districts. As an air of unified efforts is being witnessed now, the leaders are averse to the idea of allowing fissures to develop, by choosing new faces to the posts, and inviting the wrath of disgruntled people.

Zilla and taluk panchayat elections will follow in a couple of months. As such, Both Shivakumar and Deshpande can heave a sigh of relief, and be assured that they are safe at least for two to three months, before these elections are held.