Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president Dinesh Gundu Rao has expressed confidence about dousing the discontent that has erupted in the party after Sunday’s Cabinet reshuffle.
Mr. Rao, who was dropped from the Ministry and appointed as KPCC working president, on Wednesday said, “Everything will be under control. All legislators who have expressed dissent following the Cabinet reshuffle will come around in a few days.”
Addressing his maiden press meet after taking charge, the four-time MLA and former Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies said some MLAs had “emotionally reacted” and they would not leave the party. “I don’t see any situation going out of hand,” he said.
Senior leaders such as V. Srinivas Prasad, M.H. Ambareesh, Qamarul Islam, and Baburao Chinchansur, and a few legislators from Bengaluru have expressed their displeasure over the Cabinet reshuffle and decided to petition the party high command against Chief Minster Siddaramaiah. Asked about his new role in the party, Mr. Rao said, “I am not a puppet working president. I have to work and galvanise party workers as (Assembly) elections are just two years away.”
He called on AICC president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday and explained to her political developments in the State. Mr. Rao, who came to the party office in an open jeep, was congratulated by party leaders and workers.
