The Congress high command is likely to take in some of independent MLAs and others, including a couple of ministers in the BJP government, who are knocking the party door ahead of the Assembly polls.
According to party sources, KPCC president Dr G Parameshwar, CLP leader Siddaramaiah and senior leaders are camping at New Delhi to meet the Central leaders seeking their approval to admit these men.
Four of the seven independent legislators in the state Assembly, including Narendra Swamy, Shivaraj Thangadi, Venkataramanappa and D Sudhakar have already expressed their willingness to join the party and work for the Urban Local body elections.
There are also reports that Small and Medium Scale Minister Raju Gouda, Fisheries Minister Anand Asnotikar, Labour Minister Bachegowda and C P Yogeshwar have also decided to bid goodbye to the saffron party and contest on the Congress symbol.
Confirming that several MLAs in the BJP camp are keen to join, Parameshwar said that it would be only after getting clearance from the Central leaders.
“Welcoming outsiders may lead to fresh rebellion in the party. But taking into consideration the larger party interests, we cannot shut our doors permanently,” he said.
Those who would oppose any move to admit others into party would be convinced and it would be formalised only after taking their consent, Parameshwar added.