Bihar polls could delay state Congress revamp

BENGALURU: Internal dissent within the ruling Congress could continue for some more time as bigwigs in the party could take a call on issues raised by original Congressmen only after conclusion of elections in Bihar.

Senior leader, S.M. Krishna, who is in New Delhi, met party president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi on Friday and discussed the political situation as well as steps to be initiated ahead of Assembly polls in 2018. The critical issue of change of leadership, however, did not figure during these discussions but could lead to a reshuffle of the ministry and toning up the administration, according to sources in the party.

Mr Krishna’s visit to Delhi triggered speculation about the possibility of veteran leaders jointly demanding replacement of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with a Dalit leader. Some leaders even appealed to party leader in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, to return to state politics but the veteran said he would leave the decision to the high command. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to head to New Delhi immediately after Dasara festivities to discuss with top central leaders about changes in his ministry. Sources said if Mrs Gandhi is convinced of the ‘deteriorating condition’ as made out by many senior

Leaders, she would hold consultations with other senior leaders in New Delhi to find a way out. “If central leaders are convinced of problems in Karnataka, they might invite some state leaders to elicit feedback from them. So, even if Mr Siddaramaiah goes to Delhi to lobby for cabinet reshuffle, it may not happen till the consultations are over. If Mr Siddaramaiah does not get an appointment, it will be an ominous signal for Mr Siddaramaiah. If he gets an appointment and during his meeting with central leaders, if he gets the green signal for cabinet expansion only, it will be read as caution. But, if he gets free hand to carry out a reshuffle, it clearly shows Mr Siddaramaiah is strong in the party,” sources added.

Another leader remarked that with the high command not focusing on affairs of the party in the state till first week of November, those involved in dissident activity could maintain a low profile.