After poll loss, Congress disbands Karnataka unit but retains president, working president

BENGALURU: In its first move to "rebuild" Congress in Karnataka following its dismal performance in the Lok Sabha polls and to counter simmering dissent, the party high command on Wednesday dissolved the state unit. Only state chief Dinesh Gundurao and working president Eshwar Khandre managed to survive the pink-slipping.
AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, also in charge of Karnataka, said all heads and members of poll and campaign committees would be changed. KPCC had around 200 office-bearers, including vice-presidents, general secretaries, secretaries and members of various panels with specific responsibilities. Gundurao said his focus now would be to identify honest and committed workers and give them responsibilities.
Insiders claimed the move was long overdue after the appointment of Gundurao as KPCC chief in July 2018. "All existing office-bearers were appointed by G Parameshwara and Gundurao had sought a reshuffle. Usually, the high command gives the new president a free hand to have a team of his choice," said a senior Congress leader.
However, the decision to retain Gundurao and Khandre surprised many as they expected the high command to sack them, especially after the party won just one seat in the Lok Sabha polls. In fact, MLA R Roshan Baig, who was suspended on Tuesday, had blamed Gundurao and Congress legislature party leader Siddaramaiah for the debacle.
Meanwhile, a meeting of Lingayat leaders in the party on Wednesday evening is said to have made a case for a person from the community to head the state unit.