Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 29: "State is set for ex-chief minister Bangarappa’s return insto the Congress fold. Discussions will soon be held in this connection with the high command after consulting the party leaders in the state," said Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president R V Deshpande.

Speaking to reporters during his private visit to the city on Sunday December 28, he said that Bangarappa on his own, expressed his desire to join the party he had deserted a few years ago, during the electioneering for the by-election. The Congress party is positively considering the issue of welcoming him back into its fold, he added.

Stressing that the Congress has rejected the pre-poll surveys relating to the by-poll published by the media, projecting a favourable voter verdict for the BJP, Deshpande said that he strongly believes that the voters will in no uncertain terms, register their dissent to the misrule of the BJP by defeating its candidates.

"There is no proposal to complain to the high command against the party leaders who did not take part in the campaigning. The high command has kept a tab on those who did not canvass for the party and will take steps as it deems fit. Some had reasons to abstain from campaigning for the party candidates, while others decided to remain aloof without offering any reasons for the abstention. The KPCC had invited everyone for taking part in the electioneering, he explained.

Opposition leader in the legislative council Ugrappa, who accompanied Deshpande said that the state government has laid bare its unconstitutional leanings by disposing off important files when the code of conduct was in vogue. "We will collect proof and complain to the Election Commission on this aspect," he revealed.