Athmananda would replace MLA K B Chandrashekar. The change in district Congress leadership came after a demand from the party leaders and workers for the same in order to strengthen the party in the district.

The new president has many challenges before him - to bring together different factions and groups and provide a firm base for Congress in the Janata Dal (Secular) bastion.

Strengthening party

In his reaction to the appointment, Athmananda said more than expectation, his appointment was a party order.

“I will emphasise on the party leaders putting a united show to strengthen the organisation. Senior leaders like G Madegowda, S M Krishna and C Ambareesh would aso be consulted on key issues. The Zilla samithi will be reconstituted soon,” he said.

Recently, the district congress was rattled by differences between the followers of S M Krishna and Ambareesh, which has also led to the party losing its influence over the region. Now, Athmananda has task before him to take them united.