Mysuru DCC president axed for being close to Vishwanath?

Bengaluru: In a significant development on the eve of bypolls to two Assembly constituencies, T.S. Ravishankar has been replaced by R. Murthy as president of the district unit of the Congress in CM Siddaramaiah’s home district, Mysuru,

Sources in the party told DC,  Mr Ravishankar, a Brahmin, who was appointed as DCC president a year ago, paid the price for his proximity to Vishwanath, former MP and critic of Congress leaders, including Mr Siddaramaiah. He shared the dais with Mr Vishwanath when the leader lambasted the state government for its follies. This was brought to the notice of KPCC president Dr G Parameshwar who ordered the removal of Mr Ravishankar and appointed Mr R Murthy, former chairman of Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA), and a leader of BCs.  Sources said such drastic and swift changes, without an opportunity for the outgoing DCC chief to defend himself, could cost the party dear as it has upset voters belonging to upper castes. It has mirrored Mr Siddaramaiah’s fixation on appointment of AHINDA leaders in key posts. In case the leader does not mend his ways, voters who are undecided on backing candidates of either Congress or BJP would ensure former minister V Srinivasprasad’s victory.

Sources said some workers belonging to Kuruba community were not spared because they were supporters of Mr Vishwanath. They too were shown the door, sources added.