The appointment of a new Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president is delayed due to intense lobbying from various caste groups, primarily the Vokkaligas and Lingayats. The Vokkaliga community is pushing for D.K. Shivakumar, a seven-time MLA and former minister, while several Lingayat leaders are also vying for the position. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah opposes Shivakumar's candidature, believing that a Vokkaliga leader wouldn't significantly benefit the party. He instead supports M.B. Patil, a Lingayat leader.
The article details the history of KPCC presidents, highlighting the representation of different castes including Lingayats, Vokkaligas, Dalits, and Brahmins. It notes that G. Parameshwara, a Dalit leader, held the post for the longest period (eight years), during which the Congress party won two elections. The article also mentions the concerns of 'original' Congressmen who oppose Siddaramaiah's nominee due to past grievances.
The Congress high command faces the challenge of balancing the interests of these dominant communities to avoid demoralizing the party cadre. The decision is expected to impact the party's prospects in the state. The article concludes by mentioning that the state Congress leaders anticipate a decision during the upcoming state legislature session.