Eshwar Khandre, Bidar's first to be picked

KALABURAGI: The appointment of Bhalki Congress MLA Eshwar Khandre as the working president of KPCC has not only delighted the supporters of the Khandre family but also a large number of Congress leaders in the district. It is the first time that a leader from the backward Bidar district has been elevated to such a high position in the party.

Though Mr Eshwar's father Bheemanna Khandre was a veteran leader in the district, he only rose to the office of vice-president of KPCC. Political observers feel that the appointment of Mr Eshwar as the working president will not only help shape his political career but also help him emerge as a state level leader and enable the party to regain the confidence of the dominant Veerashaiva-Lingayats.  

“Mr Eshwar is not only young, but also well educated, dynamic, highly committed and resourceful. Moreover, he has demonstrated during the last three terms as legislator that he is clean and works tirelessly for fulfilling the aspirations of the people. Mr Eshwar stepped into the shoes of his father following the dismal performance of his elder brother Dr Vijaykumar Khandre, who was the legislator of Bhalki for two terms. Mr Eshwar made ample use of the opportunity created for him by his father and worked hard to establish his leadership qualities and emerge as a strong leader on his own. If he now makes proper use of the responsibility give to him, he can emerge as a state level leader",  a senior political observer commented.

It is learnt that Mr Eshwar has been elevated to the position of KPCC Working President not only to give representation to the north Karnataka region, but also to placate the Veerashaiva- Lingayat community, which has been aggrieved over the issue of conferring independent religion status. 

It is also learnt that two years back when the Congress high command  wanted to relieve Dr G Parameshwar from the post of KPCC President, it was keen on appointing Mr Eshwar as working president. "