Says he'll do the high command's bidding even if it means joining hands with the enemy
Says he'll do the high command's bidding even if it means joining hands with the enemy
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NOT A HAPPY MAN: Siddaramiah |
A largely-resigned Siddaramiah is in New Delhi for a meeting of local Congress leaders to figure out what exactly the high command has in store for him.
He's given up plans to start a political outfit and is even resigned to the party joining hands with bete noir and Janata Dal (S) chief H D Deve Gowda. All in the hope of replacing Mallikarjuna Kharge as the leader of the opposition in the assembly.
But that may not happen very soon, say sources. "Though it looks like the high command is responding positively to Siddaramiah's demands, he may not get what he wants," said the source.
"He is expected to work for the party's victory in the elections before asking anything for himself."
Kharge for Centre?
According to one plan of action, Kharge will make way for Siddaramiah by contesting the parliamentary elections from Gulbarga.
But Kharge is not too pleased by that prospect.
"Why should I resign," he asked. "If the high command asks me to contest elections, I may consider, but that does not mean I should step down as the opposition leader."
There are worries that if Kharge is forced to resign, it would send out the wrong signals to Dalit voters. So, the high command will ask Siddaramiah to work for Kharge's victory so that Kharge can move up to the centre, the source said.
Not that the high command wants to ruffle Siddaramiah's feathers since he is a crowd-puller among the backward classes, being a Kuruba.
"Siddaramiah could be offered the state president's post but he doesn't want it," said the source.
"The only option for him is to wait, " the source added.
No partyMeanwhile, Siddaramiah has dropped the idea of launching a new political party since there's not enough time.u00a0
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"We have changed the idea because it is not a good time launch a party," said an associate close to Siddaramiah.
" I leave it to the high command," said Siddaramiah. "We will have to follow what they say."
