All India Congress Committee (AICC) president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said the appointment of pradesh Congress committee presidents for three States, including for Odisha, was over and the rest would be done in due course.
When asked specifically about Karnataka, where the appointment of the new KPCC president, a post presently held by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has been a bone of contention, Mr. Kharge refused to comment.
He told reporters, “I can’t say what I have done specifically for Karnataka. I don’t want to tell you anything because you mix masala with the news… We will do it in two-three States in two-three days. We will appoint the office-bearers of the State party units wherever it is not done. We will also complete the appointments of different office-bearers of the State units and different cells in five to six days,” Mr. Kharge said.
When asked about Karnataka Home Minister and Dalit leader G. Parameshwara’s recent meeting with him, speculated to be held in this regard, Mr. Kharge said it was very common for a leader to meet the AICC president of his own State.
“Is it a big deal for a leader to meet the AICC president from his State? Since I am from Karnataka, many leaders from the State call me directly and easily fix an appointment to meet me. I cannot say ‘no’. Everybody from Karnataka comes and meets me. You should not spread rumours abould leaders like Parameshwara, Shivakumar, and Satish Jarkiholi meeting me and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah talking to me over the phone. Media creates confusion and makes leaders confused,” he said.
