State netas lobby hard for berths

Karnataka likely to get two posts in Union Cabinet

Despite the Congress’ poor show in the State—the party bagged six seats as against eight in 2004—a large number of leaders and their loyalists have pitched their tent in the national capital.

They have been struggling to explain the party’s dismal performance in the elections to the high command. But they have not lagged behind in knocking the doors of the influential to seek ministerial berths. They have also been tapping Congress President Sonia Gandhi, her political secretary Ahmad Patel, Defence Minister A K Antony, AICC general secretaries Digvijay Singh, Oscar Fernandes and Gulam Nabi Azad in this regard.

Best efforts

It is likely that Karnataka may get only two Cabinet posts, but the claimants are many—Mallikarjuna Kharge, Dharam Singh, S M Krishna, Veerappa Moily, Rahman Khan and K H Muniyappa. And they have been putting the best efforts for their inclusion in the cabinet.

While a lucky few met Sonia, Dharam Singh sprang a surprise by calling on President Pratibha Patil. He, however, termed the meeting as a “courtesy” call.

While the leaders are planning on the basis of caste and religion, a section has raised voice against the inclusion of JD(S) President H D Kumaraswamy in the government.

Though Kumaraswamy met Sonia Gandhi at the latter’s residence on Tuesday evening and handed over the letter extending unconditional support to the UPA, he dismissed reports that he was angling for a cabinet berth.

The Congress high command also consulted party State unit president R V Deshpande and senior leader Siddaramaiah on an alliance with the JD(S).

It was learnt both had opposed the proposal and cautioned the high command that the inclusion of the JD(S) would be more advantageous to that party than the Congress.
DH News Service