Contrary to claims by senior leaders of the state unit of Congress that stringent disciplinary action would be initiated against legislators who cross-voted in the recent polls to the Legislative Council, the report submitted by the five member probe panel headed by V.R. Sudarshan could well be shelved by the central leadership.
Top sources in Congress told Deccan Chronicle that rather than nail the guilty, senior central leaders are likely to appoint a senior leader of minorities to a key position as part of the strategy to placate minorities who are upset following the upset defeat of Mr Iqbal Ahmed Saradagi. The choice of the leader and position likely to be offered in New Delhi are being discussed by leaders in the national capital. A formal announcement would be made after the Presidential poll scheduled to be held later this month. “It will surprise everyone. We will take up this exercise once we are through with the President's election on July 19” the sources added.
The sources said though the party knew the names of legislators who cross-voted, action would only be initiated at an appropriate time. “Apart from constituting the committee to probe into this episode, the party could not have done anything else to pacify members of the minority community. The party was going through a tough time when Mr Iqbal Ahmed Saradagi lost the election. On one hand, Lingayats were rebelling against the party and minority community too would have launched similar action. Therefore, the party took a decision to form an inquiry committee,” the sources added.
The sources said the party would not be in a position to antagonize voters of any community in view of the forthcoming elections to the Legislative Assembly. Therefore, a minority leader would be appointed to an key post shortly, sources added.