BANGALORE: The Congress High Command, through A.K. Antony, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs, has sent a message to all Congress leaders in the State that there is no question of leadership change now and the party would like to continue with the understanding with the Janata Dal (Secular).

Mr. Antony was here for the past two days to review the functioning of the Congress Ministers in the Dharam Singh Cabinet and hear the grievances of Congress functionaries.

Sources in the Congress told The Hindu that a section of Congress leaders unhappy with Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh had pleaded for a leadership change or opt for President's rule as an alternative.

However, all such requests were turned down, and in consultation with the top leaders of the party, Mr. Antony categorically said that there will be no leadership change. In the view of Mr. Antony, "We have a capable Chief Minister who is best suited to head a coalition Government. Where is the need for a change? Congress leaders are hereby advised to cooperate with the Chief Minister and ensure a smooth running of the coalition Government and simultaneously participate in building up the party at all levels. It is not a child's play to form a coalition Government. People should also realise that but for Mr. Dharam Singh, this coalition Government would not have continued for long. The Government has to now gear up and put in a good performance for which the support of the Janata Dal (S) is a must."

Meanwhile, the Congress High Command would also like the Janata Dal (S) to extend all cooperation and refrain from raising sensitive issues such as reservation.

Such matters could be raised in the coordination meetings between the two parties and not aired in public.

It was mentioned that the Congress leaders who called on Mr. Antony were told that there would be no leadership change.

The Congress will speed up appointment of chairmen to boards provided it receives cooperation from the Janata Dal (S). The two parties have to share 70 posts of chairman, he said.

The AICC General Secretary has also sent across a message to Congress leaders and the Janata Dal (S) to refrain from crossing the "Lakshman Rekha" in the interest of maintaining coalition dharma.

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