Digvijay Singh rules out posts for elected representatives

Digvijay Singh, AICC general secretary, has dropped a bombshell at least for legislators, stating that MLAs, MLCs and MPs should discharge their responsibilities as elected representatives and not aspire for heading boards and corporations

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Singh, who is on a two-day private visit to Bangalore, told reporters that the process of appointments to boards and corporations would be completed soon.

“Suitable representation will be given to all. The one-man one-post norm will be followed. MLAs and MLCs already occupy a position,” Singh said, indicating that legislators could be kept out of boards and corporations, with priority being given to party workers.

Singh’s statement comes as a blow for legislators who had been lobbying hard for plum posts in boards and corporations.

Singh, in charge of party affairs in the State, was received at the Kempegowda International Airport by KPCC president G Parameshwara and Energy Minister D K Shivakumar.

According to party sources, Singh was keen that Parameshwara take a final decision on being inducted into Siddaramaiah’s Cabinet by November 7. However, Parameshwara is said to have sought more time.

Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara will be in New Delhi on November 7 to attend the meeting of Congress State presidents and Congress legislature party leaders. Parameshwara has been insisting that he be given the post of deputy chief minister rather than a mere cabinet berth.

The Kumara Krupa guest house was a hub of activity, with Congress leaders and workers waiting for the arrival of Singh. 

He arrived at 3.45 pm and was greeted by the workers. Members of the youth and women’s wing of the party carried placards, seeking suitable positions for them in boards and corporations. “Recognise honest party workers.Youth and Mahila Congress workers are the backbone of the party,” the placards said.

When a few Congress MLAs complained to Singh that several seniors, including five-time MLAs, had been kept out of the Cabinet, Singh reportedly told them that Siddaramaiah had a free hand to drop some of the ministers from the Cabinet and reshuffle his team.
The party had to face some embarrassing moments when a section in the crowd shouted, “Down down one-man army,” perhaps indicating at the Gandhi family’s stranglehold on the party. Home Minister K J George and Shivakumar called on Singh later in the day.