Elections: Congress asks 'non-performing' MLAs to make way for others

The state Congress, which is making an all-out effort to retain power in the state, is understood to have bluntly told the sitting MLAs aspiring to contest the coming Assembly election and who have not performed up to the expectations, to either improve their performance or make way for others.

An internal survey of the performance of its 124 MLAs done both by the party and the government recently has revealed that about 25 sitting have a poor image in their constituencies. These legislators have neither implemented the government's programmes effectively nor done enough to strengthen the party by involving themselves in the organisational activities.

The AICC secretaries incharge of each of the four revenue divisions of the state, too, have given inputs to the party on the performance of the sitting MLAs and those who lost the 2013 Assembly polls by a narrow margin and are aspiring to contest the election again.

The secretaries, who have been tasked with the responsibility of overseeing implementation of the party's strategy, have been touring the state for the past four months. The party sources, however, refused to disclose names of the MLAs who have not performed up to the expectations.

Sources in the KPCC said all the MLAs have been strictly instructed to improve their image and strengthen the party in the coming days. The party will be conducting another round of assessment shortly. Based on the assessment report, the party leaders, especially Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC president G Parameshwara, will chalk out the election campaign.

Besides, MLAs who have health issues have been asked to suggest names to replace them in the next election, the sources said.

Siddaramaiah, who will lead the party's election campaign, is planning to start touring the state from December 15. He will be visiting all the district headquarters and address public rallies. The chief minister is likely to focus more on districts where the party is not strong. Siddaramaiah and other senior leaders will also assess the political mood during the tour, the sources said.