KPCC delegation fails to placate rebel candidate Sadiq Pahilwan

Last minute efforts by KPCC delegation led by KPCC Working President Saleem Ahmed and MLA Rizwan Arshad to placate and convince Congress rebel Sadiq Pahilwan to withdraw from the contest before the deadline ended on Thursday failed miserably as the team reached Davangere a bit late.

The delegation, which was supposed to reach the residence of Sadiq Pahilwan by noon, got delayed and by the time it arrived there, only a few minutes were left for the deadline to end.

Learning about the visit, Sadiq’s followers had assembled near his house well in advance and when the delegation arrived, Sadiq was holding a meeting.

On the arrival of the delegation, his followers raised “go back” slogan and urged Sadiq not to yield to pressure from the party leaders.

The delegation members took Sadiq inside for a covert meeting but soon came out to announce that Sadiq was with the party and alternative options were being discussed as the deadline had ended.

The subsequent meeting went on for some time.

Speaking to presspersons, Rizwan Arshad said: “Sadiq Pahilwan is a member of the Congress family. However, he is hurt over some developments. The deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers has ended. As time did not permit, his nomination papers could not be withdrawn. All the upset youths will be taken into confidence.”

Mentioning that their arrival at Davangere was delayed, Saleem Ahmed said that they had a first round of discussion with Sadiq.

“Such anger is common when you are deprived of party ticket. We will take him into confidence in the coming days. And, we are confident that he will become the strength of the Congress,” he said.