Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 25: The observers deputed to Karnataka to hold discussions with party leaders and come out with recommendations in view of resignations tendered by Dinesh Gundu Rao to his post as president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and Siddaramaiah to the posts of leader of the legislature party and leader of the opposition in the assembly which he held.

The two observers who camped in the city since the last some days reportedly have chosen four names to head the state unit of the Congress. They are former home minister of Karnataka M B Patil, firebrand leader and former minister D K Shivakumar, former union minister K H Muniyappa, and Rajya Sabha member B K Hariprasad.

As there was no consensus on any one name, the observers have sent all the four names to the party interim president, Sonia Gandhi. Sources say that the national leadership of the party might lean towards D K Shivakumar who has the drive and enthusiasm to lead the party which he has proved in the past. However, the party may take a few days to take a considered decision as it is now in the process of revamping the national level party organization.

Siddaramaiah is expecte to meet the high command soon and come up with his recommenations in person. In all likelihood, he is expeectedt o agree to retain one of the two posts he currently holds.

Dinesh Gundu Rao and Siddaramaiah had tendered resignations to their respective posts, owning moral responsibility for the pathetic performance of thie party in the bypoll. Even though many leaders had prevailed upon Siddaramaiah to withdraw his resignation letter,he had stood firm on leaving the posts for others. This had necessitated deputation of two observers to pool opinions and recommend names for the post of KPCC president.