<p><span class="bold">W</span>ith less than a year left for the Assembly elections, supporters and loyalists of Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah are drawing up a plan to organise a month-long ‘Siddaramotsava’ programme in August, when he turns 75. </p>.<p>This is also seen as an attempt to project Siddaramaiah as the Congress’ chief ministerial candidate should the party win next year. </p>.<p>On August 3, his birthday, a massive convention is being planned at Davangere by the Siddaramaiah-75 Congratulatory Committee. Senior Congress leaders R V Deshpande, H C Mahadevappa and others close to Siddaramaiah are involved in this. By mobilising a large crowd, the convention will become a show of strength by the pro-Siddaramaiah camp. Top Congress leaders will be invited to participate in the event. </p>.<p>Then, till September 3, the ‘Siddaramotsava’ will be celebrated in every district and Assembly constituency, according to plans. Achievements of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government will be extolled to create a favourable atmosphere ahead of the elections. Target groups will include backward classes, Dalits and minorities. The campaign will also showcase Siddaramaiah’s life and political career. A short-film or a documentary has been planned along with conferences and photo exhibitions. The organisers of the campaign want writers and intellectuals to participate in this. </p>.<p>Although it will not be a Congress event, there is no denying the fact that this will stir the pot as the party has decided to fight the next election under a collective leadership.</p>.<p>Meanwhile, top Congress leaders got into a huddle in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the 2023 Assembly election. According to sources, former AICC president Rahul Gandhi, general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, KPCC president D K Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah and poll strategist Sunil Kanugolu discussed a survey report that suggests a pro-Congress wave in Karnataka.</p>.<p>Apparently, the constituency-wise survey measured the pros and cons for the party, pegging its potential at winning 102-122 seats.</p>
<p><span class="bold">W</span>ith less than a year left for the Assembly elections, supporters and loyalists of Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah are drawing up a plan to organise a month-long ‘Siddaramotsava’ programme in August, when he turns 75. </p>.<p>This is also seen as an attempt to project Siddaramaiah as the Congress’ chief ministerial candidate should the party win next year. </p>.<p>On August 3, his birthday, a massive convention is being planned at Davangere by the Siddaramaiah-75 Congratulatory Committee. Senior Congress leaders R V Deshpande, H C Mahadevappa and others close to Siddaramaiah are involved in this. By mobilising a large crowd, the convention will become a show of strength by the pro-Siddaramaiah camp. Top Congress leaders will be invited to participate in the event. </p>.<p>Then, till September 3, the ‘Siddaramotsava’ will be celebrated in every district and Assembly constituency, according to plans. Achievements of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government will be extolled to create a favourable atmosphere ahead of the elections. Target groups will include backward classes, Dalits and minorities. The campaign will also showcase Siddaramaiah’s life and political career. A short-film or a documentary has been planned along with conferences and photo exhibitions. The organisers of the campaign want writers and intellectuals to participate in this. </p>.<p>Although it will not be a Congress event, there is no denying the fact that this will stir the pot as the party has decided to fight the next election under a collective leadership.</p>.<p>Meanwhile, top Congress leaders got into a huddle in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the 2023 Assembly election. According to sources, former AICC president Rahul Gandhi, general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, KPCC president D K Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah and poll strategist Sunil Kanugolu discussed a survey report that suggests a pro-Congress wave in Karnataka.</p>.<p>Apparently, the constituency-wise survey measured the pros and cons for the party, pegging its potential at winning 102-122 seats.</p>
