Cong workers unhappy over leaders' attitude

The differences within the Congress in Kodagu came to the fore at a meeting on Sunday.

Congress workers in Madikeri have openly expressed dissatisfaction over the functioning of party leaders in the district and have warned to give a mass resignation if the leaders fail to set right the differences.

Madikeri Block Congress president K M Ganesh complained, “The Congress workers are upset over a few issues in the party. The leaders have failed to respond to the woes. Only during the election, the leaders convene a meeting of party workers and the grievances are addressed.”

He said, “The DCC is not engaged in such grievances redressal work. The rule of one post for a leader should be implemented effectively. The power should not be entrusted on an individual leader,” and stated, “I have been working for the party for the last 30 years. I am not an aspirant for the post of district unit president. I do not require the post of Block Congress president either.”

Congress leader Neravanda Lokesh said that he has been working for the party for the last 18 years. “None is responding to the woes even when the Assembly election is nearing. In such a situation, how can we face the election,” he asked.

Worker Patrick Lobo said that 12 KSRTC buses were operating to Bengaluru via Chattalli. “Now, there is not even one bus after 6 pm. In spite of bringing the issue to the notice of the Transport Minister R Ramalinga Reddy and District In-charge Minister M R Seetharam, no action has been initiated so far. The party remembers workers only during the election. Are we daily wage labourers,” he asked.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the arrest of innocents following communal disturbance during the Tipu Jayanthi celebrations, Suntikoppa Gram Panchayat former president Usman said, “We had not demanded Jayanthi celebrations. Due to the failure of the district administration, cases have been registered against innocents, which should be withdrawn.”

Madikeri town unit president K U Abdul Razak accused District In-charge Minister of failing to redress the grievances. Somwarpet Block Congress president K M Lokesh said all the differences in the party should be discussed during the Madikeri Assembly constituency leaders and workers meeting at Somwarpet on May 30.