The Congress in Karnataka Friday announced observers for 17 assembly constituencies represented by disqualified MLAs to strengthen the party ahead of the impending byelections.
The party issued a press release giving the list of observers for the constituencies -- Athani, Kagwad, Gokak, Maski, Yellapur, Hirekerur, Ranebennur, Vijayanagara, Chikkaballapura, KR Puram, Yashwantpur, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Hoskote, Shivajinagar, Mahalakshmi Layout, KR Pet and Hunsur.
The 17 MLAs of Congress and JDS were disqualified by the assembly speaker K R Ramesh Kumar after their rebellion led to the collapse of their coalition government last month.
The MLAs had tendered their resignations, but the Speaker rejected them as not voluntary and disqualified them under the anti-defection law. They have moved the Supreme Court challenging the speaker's decision.
The party has chosen more than three top state level leaders in each constituency and at places where the rebels hold the sway in a big way, at least five top leaders have been deputed.
Among the high-profile constituencies are Gokak, previously held by Ramesh Jarkiholi, a hardcore rebel, Athani and Maski,
In Gokak, the Congress has deputed four former ministers to retain the constituency. Jarkiholis younger brother Satish Jarkiholi, MLA, Veerkumar Patil, H Y Meti and sitting MLA Ganesh Hukkeri have been named as the observers.
Congress spokesperson Prof K E Radhakrishna told PTI that the deployment deals with twin issues of strengthening the party structure and tapping the perceived public anger over the MLAs switching their loyalties.
"The party workers have to be energised and encouraged. Therefore, all senior leaders in teams will be talking to them and also concentrate on moulding public opinion (in favour of Congress)," he said.
On observers being named for even the three constituencies held by the JDS and whether the Congress would field candidates there, Radhakrishna said the decision would be taken by the high command.
Now it is premature to say anything. The high command will decide about alliance and mutual understanding, he said.
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