Karnataka: Congressmen bicker, KC Venugopal gives them a dressing down

Bengaluru: Internal differences have become worse among ruling Congress leaders and functionaries to the extent that a meeting, attended by AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal in the city on Wednesday saw INTUC president, Rakesh Malli allegedly threatening KPCC Labour Cell chief S. Prakasam with ‘dire consequences’.

Although, KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar and Mr Venugopal took both leader to task the damage had already been done as many leaders after this meeting, met Mr Venugopal and continued to criticise their rivals within the party. 

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader who was present at the meeting, observed that Mr Venugopal admonished the warring leaders and was severe on leaders like Mr Malli, who have been booked under various cases in Dakshin Kannada district.

The source added that Mr Venugopal took Women leaders including KPCC women’s wing president, Lakshmi Hebbalkar to task for failing to complete the process of appointing district women presidents though she has completed almost two years as  president. "Mere launching of signature campaigns in the state capital will not help the Congress. What you should have  done is complete the appointments at various levels and directed women wing workers to fan out in women colleges to attract youngsters to the party. A signature campaigns at the best will give you a photo opportunity," he said slamming Ms Hebbalkar.

Apart from this, he reportedly suggested to her to send women workers to  villages to help widows and destitute women get government benefits at their doorstep. "This is an election year, there is no question of taking rest, launch state-wide campaigns to attract women. Stay in villages but not for an photo op," he reportedly remarked.

While directing KPCC Kissan cell president Sachin Meega to kickstart his tour in the state and educate farmers about the loan waiver offered by Chief Minister, Siddarmaiah, Mr Venugopal said: "You wanted the state government to waive off farmer loans? Now that it has been done, what tour plans do you have?," he asked.

Mr Venugopal  suggested to Youth Congress workers to work unitedly by burying their differences. "I have submitted report about allegations which were brought to my notice the last time, to the Indian Youth Congress leadership. They will verify into these allegations, but until then, the party will not entertain any indiscipline on the part of youngsters," he warned.