Surjewala 'upset' over ministers' absence in Congress bypoll meeting

Bengaluru: All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary  Randeep Singh Surjewala on Sunday reportedly expressed his displeasure over the absence of half the Cabinet ministers in the meeting convened to discuss party’s strategies for the bypolls, on Sunday.

However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah played down these reports and said that nearly 100 leaders attended the meeting and some of them missed it as they were busy with Deepavali preparations at their homes.

A senior Congress leader told DH that Surjewala, who joined the meeting online, sought to know why some of the ministers were absent.

He opined that they could have joined the meeting online. 

“Victory in three seats in the bypoll will play a major role in boosting the party’s image in the state - which has taken a beating following series of scandals. Anti-incumbency factor is setting in against the government due to relentless campaign by the Opposition. Therefore, we cannot afford to lose any seat in the bypolls,” Surjewala reportedly directed the party leaders. The source also noted that the party was aware that a section of ministers failed to deliver during the Lok Sabha elections and same should not be repeated in the bypolls. 

However, Chief Minister Siddaramiah said that the party had convened a meeting of elected representatives to discuss strategies. “Nearly 100 leaders attended the meeting. Some of them could not attend the meeting as they were busy with Deepavali preparations,” he said without elaborating much in response to a question.