NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday announced that it will not like to interfere in the formation of zilla panchayats in Karnataka, and left the decision to the local units to chart the future course.

The party also made it clear that it is for the continuation of the present arrangement in the State where it runs a coalition government with the Janata Dal (Secular) of H.D. Deve Gowda. Yet, by giving a free hand to the local units, the party appears to have kept the options open of aligning either with the Janata Dal (S) or its rival the All-India Progressive Janata Dal of the former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The decision was taken after a meeting the Congress President Sonia Gandhi had with Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh, President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee M. Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC leader A.K. Antony and Ahmed Patel, Political Secretary to the Congress President.

`No interference'

Making this announcement after the meeting Mr. Antony, who is in charge of the party affairs in Karnataka, said since the party high command had not interfered with the local bodies election there is no need for a different approach now.

He said the local units had been given full freedom to chalk out their strategy for the polls and a similar attitude prevails now.

He expressed confidence in the State leaders sorting it out. The Chief Minister and Mr. Kharge will hold discussions with the local units on the issue. On their part, the two leaders said the gazette notifying the constitution of the local bodies will be issued on Saturday, and they will start the process of consultations thereafter.

The State leaders were here to discuss the issue in the wake of objections by the Janata Dal (S) to a situation in case the Congress preferred to take the help of the AIPJD in formation of the local bodies.

The Congress, which has won 14 zilla panchayats on its own, could form another 10 by aligning with the Janata Dal (S) and up to three with the AIPJD. However, there is opposition from a section of the Congress to a tie-up with the Janata Dal (S). The AICC is not too keen to rock the boat that could lead to change in political alignment in the State.

Metro rail project

The Chief Minister had a meeting with Urban Development and Culture Minister S. Jaipal Reddy on the Bangalore metro rail project.

The Centre has supported the contention of the State Government regarding standard gauge and the matter is before a Group of Ministers that will take a view shortly.

Mr. Dharam Singh said the Minister promised to consider favourably the request for release of Rs. 5 crores for the international publicity campaign for the Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanbelagola.

In his meeting with Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, it was decided that a station will be completed in time at Shravanabelagola.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail