Just as the last day to withdraw nominations for local electionsdrew close, efforts to curb dissidence and take rebel candidates into confidence  gained heat within Congress party on Wednesday.    

Most of the leaders were busy trying to coax and cajole the members who had filed nominations as rebels. About 40 candidates have filed nominations as rebels after the party refused them tickets. Their allegation was that the party had offered tickets generously to the candidates who had come from other parties, ignoring the loyal workers who have stuck with the party for long. Though dissidence was not much of a bother for the party, the situation turned serious when most of them filed nominations as rebel candidates.

With just one day to go for withdrawal of nominations, leaders were seen flashing their best smiles and oozing extra warmth in their voices as they tried hard to convince rebels to withdraw nominations, according to party sources. This activity kept them busy all day long.  

Conducting secret meetings, calling rebel candidates, visiting their homes and trying to gain their confidence were among the tasks carried out to keep the party in good health through the crucial phase. The ones who were upset at being refused tickets were hardly in any mood to listen to the leaders.

MLA Tanvir Sait and Youth Congress President Shaukat Ali Khan tried with all their might to put an end to the dissidence. At a stage where things didn’t seem to move to well, Tanvir Sait’s suggestion of supporting rebels as Cong backed candidates and reject the official candidates met with a lot of resistance.

High command has agreed to accept District Congress President Dasegowda’s resignation. MLAs have  said pressure be mounted on him to resign. Hence, some of the members did give in and agree to withdraw nominations in principle, sources within the party informed Deccan Herald.

Some leaders said that the high command was miffed with the MLAs who had openly declared support to rebel candidates. Now, the leaders are trying all damage control measures by trying to curb dissidence. They have not obtained any permission from the senior leaders. They are bent upon the resignation of Dasegowda since some of them have set their eyes on that chair, leaders added.

Meanwhile, former union minister Srinivas Prasad has promised plum post in days to come for rebel candidate Eshwar who has contested from ward 7.

Prasad apparently appealed to the party members to win the elections under his and Siddaramaiah’s leadership.