Congress plans a Delhi splash for Siddaramaiah

BENGALURU: In an effort to project Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, as the national icon of Kuruba community, a section of leaders within Congress has reportedly planned a mammoth rally of his clansmen in New Delhi shortly.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a confidant of the Chief Minister, disclosed that former MP, A. H. Vishwanath, and former minister, H. M. Revanna, who were instrumental in launching the National Forum of

Shepherds, an umbrella organisation formed about three years, have been networking with key leaders of their community across the country. “Both these leaders have been successful to an extent. Buoyed by this, now these leaders with the blessings of Mr Siddaramaiah, feel that a mega rally in New Delhi would not only propel Mr Siddaramaiah into national politics but also help fill the vacuum caused by the demise of veteran Congress leader Rajesh Pilot, who was considered a backward classes leader at the national level,” he added. He said these leaders have been working hard to bring together as many as one crore Kurubas from across the country to showcase the strength of the community in the national capital. “Such a rally will help Mr Siddaramaiah in two ways. First, he will be recognised nationally while it will help further consolidate his position in the state as well and none would dare topple him in for the rest of the term. Ahead of zilla panchayat polls, it will work as a booster dose for the Kuruba community in the state as well and help the community consolidate in the state too. The moment generated in such a way will have its impact till 2018 Assembly elections,” he added.