New president for Karnataka Congress soon: Venugopal

Bengaluru, May 10 (IANS) Karnataka's ruling Congress would have a new president soon, said the party's state in-charge K.C. Venugopal on Wednesday.

"Since there is uncertainty over the continuation of G. Parameshwara as the party's state unit, a clear picture will emerge by this month-end," Venugopal told reporters after three-day consultations with the state leaders here since Monday.

Parameshwara, who is also the state Home Minister, has completed his six-year term as the president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).

"I held discussions with all the leaders of the party's state unit on various issues, including the appointment of the state unit's new president and our preparation for the ensuing state assembly elections in 2018," said Venugopal.

Admitting that there were differences among leaders, he said they were, however, small compared to the differences in other political parties in the state.

Senior party leader and former minister H. Vishwanath complained to Venugopal on the style of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's functioning and told him that many leaders, including him were on the verge of leaving the party soon.

Venugopal called on Siddaramaiah at the latter's official residence earlier in the day and discussed various issues pertaining to the party and the government.

On complaints against Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara by a section of the state leaders to him, Venugopal said they were united despite the differences.

"I found unity among the leaders during my discussions with them over the last three days. We will contest the ensuing assembly elections with unit to prevent the BJP coming to power again in the state," he asserted.