Change in KPCC head: Only Parameshwar knows

Parameshwar summoned to Delhi on Thursday The Congress high command is expected to retain Parameshwar or replace him with a new face Chances are high that Kharge might replace him

With Home Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president G Parameshwar leaving for New Delhi on short notice, speculations are rife that a new president would be announced, anytime soon.

Speculations are rife that Parameshwar would press the high command to retain him or would demand a dalit leader to replace him. In all probability, he is expected to suggest senior leader and Congress' floor leader in Parliament Mallikarjun Kharge for the post. Kharge has been maintaining that he was not in the race for the KPCC president's post. However, on Thursday, he claimed that he was a loyal party worker and would take up any responsibility that the party entrusts him.

However, the high command is in a fix, if it had to choose Kharge. For, it wants young leader Jyotiraditya Scindia to replace Kharge at Parliament. But the latter is said to be not keen on it, as he has set his eyes on MP Congress Committee. However, if the high command manages to convince Scindia, Kharge's way would be clear.

Considering these, the high command is learnt to have called Parameshwar on a very short notice to Delhi. It may be recalled here that Vokkaliga leader and Energy minister DK Shivakumar has been lobbying for the post. Others in the race are KH Muniyappa, SR Patil and MB Patil. Whether the high command will go by its choice of dalit leader or opt for a leader from a dominant community, will only be a matter of time.