Bigwigs begin search for KPCC president

BANGALORE: The Congress high command has begun the search in right earnest for a person to head the KPCC with AICC general secretary Karnataka in-charge Prithviraj Chavan arriving in Bangalore late on Tuesday night.
During his stay, Chavan will also discuss with party leaders on having an alliance with the JD(S) in the assembly bypolls. A one-on-one is scheduled with seniors S M Krishna, C K Jaffer Sharief and Siddaramaiah.
Present incumbent Mallikarjun M Kharge quit the president's post after he was appointed opposition leader in the assembly in June. However, he was asked to continue till a replacement was found.
Names doing the rounds for the post are former minister D K Shiva Kumar, B L Shankar and R V Deshpande. According to sources there is a possibility of the party high command deciding on a New Delhi-based Congressman from Karnataka, which would mean either B K Hariprasad, Margaret Alva and M Veerappa Moily among others.
It is going to be a piquant situation for the Congress leadership as caste and compatibility have to balanced, while making the choice. The demand now is for giving representation to either a Vokkaliga, backward class or the minority community leader.
The selection would also be a pointer to the party's decision on having an alliance with the JD(S). Some party workers are expected to make their opposition known to Chavan as they feel there is no need for a tie-up with the JD(S).
Budget panel session at IIMB today
Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and his key ministers along with a battery of bureaucrats will have a brainstorming session at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, here on Wednesday to figure out ways and means to implement their first Budget.