Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jul 10: After the new president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee took charge, there has been a flurry of activities among the young leaders of the party to grab the post of the state youth Congress president. Most of those who are eyeing this post happen to be the children of senior party leaders.

The term of state youth Congress president Basanagouda Badarli had ended in March this year. Because of the coronavirus situation, he was continued in the post without any noticeable activities. Recently Badarli made appointments of some office bearers but Shivakumar has stayed these appointments. This has given rise to certain reflex activities.

Mithun Rai (left) and Rajendra Rajanna

After Rahul Gandhi took over as the national president of the party, he had brought the system of electing the president instead of the previous system of nomination. But these elections reportedly gave rise to factionalism and election irregularities. Therefore, it is learnt that henceforth, appointments will be made directly as before. Sensing that they have a bright chance, aspirants supported by parents and other leaders, have begun hectic parleys to fight their case and become state youth Congress president.

Names of former MLA K N Rajanna's son Rajendra Rajanna , Ramalinga Reddy's daughter and MLA Soumya Reddy, Dakshina Kannada district youth Congress president Mithun Rai, NSUI president Manjunath and Raksha Ramaiah, and the name of Mohammad Nalapad, son of MLA N A Haris, are in the forefront for the post as per information.

As the appointments are made directly, there may be age relaxations, the aspirants hope. There are expectations that even 38-year-olds may be considered for the post.

Siddaramaiah is said to be in favour of Rajendra while Dr G Parameshwar is throwing his weight behind Mithun Rai. Krishna Byre Gowda and Rizwan too are backing Mithun, it is learnt. It is said that Manjunath has the blessings of Shivakumar. Youth Congress national president Srinivas, is said to be in favour of Rajendra. If a decision to give the post to a woman candidate is taken, Soumya Reddy has a chance.

There is also the likelihood of the appointment being made on the basis of castes of people occupying other posts of state president and others and giving the post based on deprived castes and taking into account the need to give regional representations. Therefore, it is felt that either Rajendra or Mithun Rai may get the nod of top leaders.