KC Venugopal's 's formula helps Congress to remain united

Bengaluru: In a significant development, K.C. Venugopal, Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, has succeeded in ironing out differences between Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, and KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar, over state-wide tours in the run-up to next year's elections to the Legislative Assembly. 

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader remarked that both leaders agreed to disagree on 'Sadhana Yatra' of Mr Siddaramaiah, now rescheduled to commence on December 13. "From the word go, Sadhana Yatra, has been the bone of contention between Dr Parameshwar and Mr Siddaramaiah for the very nature of the tour schedule. While camp followers of Mr Siddaramaiah wanted portray their leader as the messiah of poor by making it government sponsored programme, it meant that the Chief Minister hogs the limelight. On the other hand, Dr Parameshwar's camp wanted to turn it into a party programme, and ensure that both KPCC president and Chief Minister derive equal mileage. This one upmanship was going on for a while, to the point, that both had stopped sharing details about the proposed Sadhana Yatra with each other," the leader added.

The leader said prior to Mr Venugopal's arrival in the city, both leaders were sparring over one family one ticket rule, which was indicative that relations between the leaders had soured. "Once Mr Venugopal arrived, took details and resolved that Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, will tour all constituencies represented by party MLAs, Dr Parameshwar and his team could tour where Opposition party MLAs are in power. Thus, he was able make both groups understand the need of remaining united till elections were over," the leader claimed.