JOIN USParameshwara defends Cong fielding 'tainted' leaders
People who made allegations that the Congress tickets for Assembly elections have been sold will be asked to appear before their disciplinary committee, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G Parameshwara said on Monday.
“We have a disciplinary committee in our hierarchy which will look into the allegations. If the allegations are made by our party workers, they will be summoned before the committee. If those who made the charges are outsiders, then we will take legal recourse,” he said while reacting to the widespread allegations that the Congress tickets were being sold.
“I have come to know from media reports that a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Antony- ji (A K Antony) to probe the allegations. We will abide by the decision of the committee and the high command,” said Parameshwara.
Tainted candidates
Defending the selection of some ‘tainted’ candidates, Parameshwara said that they will remain in the race till charges are proved against them. The question was specifically posed in regard to former minister D K Shivakumar, against whom cases have been registered by the Lokayukta and other agencies.
“Allegations will always be made against MLAs. The Congress has always asked ministers, against whom criminal charges have been filed, to resign. But, we have never asked them to quit as MLAs. There is a difference between allegations against a minister and an MLA,” he said.
While admitting that there may have been some ‘insignificant’ errors in selecting candidates, Parameshwara said more Youth Congress leaders would figure in the next list.
“We have given 67 tickets, of the 177 names announced, to those below 45 years. Those with better educational background also have been included to ensure that the party is in sync with the younger generation,” he said.
Parameshwara and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramiah, who was also present, dismissed reports of infighting in the party over selection of candidates. “We are all united. All those claims of infighting are baseless. The party has tried to choose the right candidates for the right constituencies,” Parameshwara said.
Siddaramiah said: “Till date, I have not said a single word that would malign Parameshwara. I think this should answer all the rumours fuelled by our detractors.”