Hubli
With the BJP facing anti-incumbency sentiments in the district, the Congress is adapting its approach by prioritising Lingayat leaders within the party.
This strategic move aims to counter the criticism of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and attract traditional voters. The inclusion of Lingayat leaders in key party roles reflects Congress’s efforts to ensure social justice and broaden its appeal across communities.
After Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led state government formed in the state, the Lingayat community at large was disappointed and most of the Lingayat leaders and MLAs expressed their ire for not getting Ministerial berths in the cabinet. Considering all factors, this time, the Congress party has expanded its party structure, said sources in party.
In a recently announced list by AICC General Secretary Venugopal, former MLC Mohan Limbikai was made Vice-President, while former Vice-Chairman of Food and Civil supplies Corporation Mohan Asundi, former MLA MS Akki, former Pradesh Youth Congress President Sadanand Dhanganavar, Kiran Mugabasav, Youth Congress leader Nagaraj Gouri, Rajat Ullagaddimath, Vijay Mattigatti and Swathi Malagi were appointed as General Secretaries. All these are recognised in the Lingayat community.
The list also comprises Kuruba community leader Shanmugappa Shivalli, SSK community leader Satish Meharwade, Jain community’s Parasmal Jain and Muslim community leader Altaf Nawaz Kittur, who were made General Secretaries.
The Congress party, for the first time, it gave maximum representation to Lingayat leaders from Dharwad constituency. Labour minister Santosh Lad, who convened a meeting of Lingayat community leaders in the city on Thursday, expressed confidence that this time the Lingayat community will back the Congress party in the parliamentary elections. During the meeting, former Minister PC Siddanagouda, former Chairman of Legislative Council Veeranna Mattikatti, Cooperative leader Bapugouda Patil, former Mayor Anil Kumar Patil and others were present.
