The Congress party in Karnataka will likely appoint Vinay Kulkarni, a senior leader and former minister, as its working president soon. This move is seen as an attempt to balance the state unit’s caste equations and strengthen the party’s base in north Karnataka.
Kulkarni, who belongs to the Lingayat community, is a close aide of former chief minister Siddaramaiah and has been loyal to the party for decades. He has served as a minister in various portfolios, including revenue, irrigation, and agriculture. He is currently the chairman of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee’s campaign committee.
According to sources, the party high command has decided to appoint Kulkarni as the working president after consulting Siddaramaiah and state unit president D K Shivakumar. The announcement is expected to be made in a few days. The post of working president has been vacant since Eshwar Khandre resigned in July to join the BJP.
The appointment of Kulkarni is seen as a gesture to appease the Lingayat community, which constitutes about 17% of the state’s population and is considered to be the BJP’s core vote bank. The Congress has been trying to woo the Lingayats by projecting Siddaramaiah as a pro-Lingayat leader and by supporting the demand for a separate religious status for the community.
The party also hopes that Kulkarni’s elevation will boost its prospects in north Karnataka, where it has been losing ground to the BJP. Kulkarni hails from Bijapur district and has a strong network of supporters in the region. He is also known for his organizational skills and his rapport with other leaders.
The Congress is gearing up for the next assembly elections, which are due in 2023, and is aiming to dislodge the BJP from power. The party has been facing internal rifts and defections and is trying to revive its morale and unity. The appointment of Kulkarni as the working president is expected to infuse fresh energy and enthusiasm in the party cadres and leaders.
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