Congress in a bind where both DKS, Siddaramaiah followers are strong

BENGALURU: The Congress in the state seems to be in a sticky situation in at least 30 Assembly constituencies where candidates backed by KPCC president D K Shivakumar and Opposition leader Siddaramaiah are both strong contenders.

In such constituencies, the party may work out a compromise on the instructions of the hig command. The two senior leaders have also been advised to ensure that no factionalism breaks out.

During the Praja Dhwani Yatra, the competition in the two camps became very evident and both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah are aware of it. While there was a show of strength in some places, a cold war is simmering in some other places. At yet some other places, supporters of the two leaders even engaged in fights.

The party high command has instructed both leaders to sort out the issue, where both their supporters are strong, by February-end as to who will be the official candidate. The party state leadership has also not made up its mind on whether tickets should be given to sitting MLAs. This prompted some of the sitting MLAs to put a show of strength during the bus yatra.

Whether the compromise formula will work or lead to more rebellion only remains to be seen.