The suspense over the four congress MLA’s continues to be a spot of bother for the Congress – Janata dal Secular alliance as it prepares for the Budget session of the Karnataka Assembly. Putting up a brave front , the Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswmy , assured media on Monday that he will not face any challenge as far as the presentation of the Budget is concerned. ” The 4 congress MLA’s are in regular contact with me and support me. There is no doubt that i will present the Budget on 8th February”. The comment becomes significant in light of the recent claims by BJP leaders that the Kumaraswamy government will not be able to present a budget as it will turn minority government by then.

The Congress however seems less confident with the 4 Rebel MLA’s not responding to the second show cause notice issued to them. This has put the Congress on tenterhooks. After meeting the Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Monday evening , putting up a brave front Deputy Chief Minister Dr Paramaeshawara told News Basics , ” There is nothing to worry , the Government is safe and the 4 MLA’s will stand with the party. ”

However the dissent over denial of cabinet berths to some senior leaders still is a concern for the party. In an an effort to convince them and pacify some aggreived leaders, Coordination commitee chairman Siddaramaiah is hosting a dinner for the Congress Ministers and Leaders on Tuesday night. The objective is to guage the pulse of the leaders and the sentiments in the MLA’s.

With Parliament polls around , the party has a huge challenge on hand of keping the rebellion in control.  But as the animated drama evolves ,ensuring the success of Budget session becomes a big challenge for  H D Kumaraswamy and the Congress party to keep the morale high.