Daijiworld Media Network - Koppal (RJP)

Koppal, May 23: Some Congress members shouted anti-CM slogans on Monday, May 22 here in the presence of AICC secretary Dr Sakesh Shailajanath who had come as an observer for election.

"CM hatao, Congress bachao" (remove CM, save Congress) slogans were raised repeatedly for some time. The members who called themselves as 'original' Congress members held party flags in their hands.

The members led by former MLC Srinath shouted slogans in praise of minister D K Shivakumar, MP Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress state chief Dr Parameshwar. They hailed these leaders as 'original' members.

Only chief minister Siddaramaiah was their target.

"If the Congress fights the next state elections in 2018 under the leadership of Siddarmaiah, we will stage strong protests across the state. He must be sacked from the post of chief minister immediately," said Srinath.

"Let Dalit or anyone from that community like H Vishwanath or others be made the CM. If not, the Congress will be razed to the ground in the state. Already meetings have been held in 28 districts regarding changed of state leadership. Our struggle will intensify in the coming days," he said.

In response, Dr Shailajanath assured that he would bring their concerns to the attention of the high command.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Shalaijanath said, "Everybody belongs to Congress, there are no outsiders here. There are a few differences among party workers but we will resolve them. Congress is huge party and it is not possible to settle differences on the spot. I will meet the CM and speak to him about this issue."

As per instructions from Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, four AICC secretaries have arrived in the state as election observers for various internal elections in the party. They will submit reports to the high command relating to party organizational matters, government activities and regional issues.