To mark the completion of three years of the Congress government in Karnataka, the party has decided to hold a mega convention in Tumakuru on May 20. The event, to be organised as a government function, is expected to feature the launch of several projects by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with the distribution of land title deeds to more than one lakh beneficiaries.

The Congress government assumed office on May 20, 2023.

Amid speculation over a possible leadership change, the convention is also being viewed as an opportunity for Mr. Siddaramaiah and his loyalists in the Cabinet to send a political message to the Congress high command regarding the Chief Minister’s popularity among the masses.

The event comes at a time when a section of senior Congress MLAs is pushing for an early Cabinet reshuffle, while Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has been seeking elevation to the top post.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the party’s Karnataka in charge Randeep Singh Surjewala are expected to participate in the programme.

Speaking to reporters here, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who is also the district in-charge Minister, said on Saturday that more than two lakh party workers from across the State are expected to attend the event.

He added that royalty revenue generated from mining activities in the district would be utilised for organising the programme.

The Congress has already held similar events in Hosapete and Haveri. An exhibition showcasing the government’s projects and welfare programmes will also be organised. Various government departments are expected to set up stalls highlighting their public welfare initiatives and the achievements of the government’s five flagship guarantee schemes.

The party plans to mobilise over two lakh people, a majority of them beneficiaries of the guarantee schemes, Dr. Parameshwara said.

He added that the event would also deliberate on developmental initiatives required for Tumakuru — a fast-growing educational and industrial hub located around 70 km from Bengaluru — to accelerate its growth in the coming years.

According to Dr. Parameshwara, the Revenue Department is expected to distribute title deeds and e-Swathu documents to nearly 1.35 lakh beneficiaries during the programme.