The inner wheels in the Congress has begun spinning with the AICC President Sonia Gandhi summoning senior leader Siddaramaiah to New Delhi for discussions.

The move has led to speculation that Siddaramaiah will be appointed as the new chief. However, according to sources in the party, Siddaramaiah has set some pre-conditions for his appointment. He is said to have sought a free hand in appointing his team and that at no cost should the party venture into a pre-poll alliance with the JD(S) either for the byelections to the assembly or the parliamentary elections.

However, the High Command is not likely to antagonise senior leaders in the party by accepting Siddaramaiah’s demands in toto. Other aspirants for the post including R V Deshpande and D B Chandre Gowda may be made members of a core committee to work along with Siddaramaiah, the sources added.

A final decision on who would be the next chief will be taken depending on the outcome of the discussions.
Meanwhile, if Congress sources are to be believed, a section of senior leaders are also likely to leave for New Delhi to impress upon the High Command that only an old timer in the party be made KPCC president.
They are said to have met in Bangalore on Sunday in this regard.