MANGALORE: Hectic lobbying has begun in the District Congress, close on the heels
of the selection of former legislator Gopal Poojari to the post of Udupi DCC Chief. As
of now, there are all indications of the sitting DCC Chief B Ramanatha Rai getting re-
elected to the post.
Though the elections to the local bodies of the Congress was supposed to be completed
by July end, everything had gone haywire, owing to the ore controversy and the Congress
padayatra. It is learnt that the election process would commence once the Padyatara
concludes.
Already, several who are eying the top post of DCC President, have begun lobbying
with the high command. Among the contenders are former ZP Chief Sadananda Poonja,
former Suratkal MLA Vijaykumar Shetty, sitting DCC Vice President Ivan D’Souza
and former MUDA chairman Tejomaya. Though these leaders have already placed their
desire to occupy the post, with the high command, the same has not been considered in
the wake of the padayatra.
Meanwhile, reports even say there were chances of re-electing Rai as DCC chief after
creating another post of DCC working president.
Sadananda Poonja who was an aspirant to the post last time itself, is however now facing
the allegation of resorting to factionalism and anti-party activities during the GP polls.
There are even chances of some party men themselves opposing in case he was selected
for the post. On the other hand, Vijaykumar Shetty who is often in the news by raising
voice against the ruling party, too is facing charges of acting as an SEZ agent. However,
he in every likelihood would continue as Suratkal Block Congress President. In case Ivan
was considered for the post, then there may be complaints that the party has neglected
senior leaders.
Ramanatha Rai who has already completed three years as DCC Chief is in high spirits
after being responsible for a significant improvement in the party’s performance in the
GP elections. At the same time some leaders have suggested that a post of a working
president be created as Rai is struggling to cope with his responsibilities as DCC chief
and legislator. However, some other leaders are of the view that the post of working
president need not be created in the backdrop of the confusion it created when a working
president was also appointed for the KPCC some time back. There are even efforts to
have party spokesperson MG Hegde for the post of working president, in case such a
post was created.
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