He told reporters on his arrival from New Delhi here that he would take all sections of the partymen into confidence in strengthening and rejuvenating the party for the coming polls in the State.

The mantle of organisational responsibility had fallen on Siddaramaiah, following a package formula announced by the party's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) as a solution to internal bickering. He said that he was confident of leading the party to victory in the November Assembly elections.

Siddaramaiah refuted the charge that there was resentment among a section of partymen over the unceremonious removal of the incumbent State unit President, B L Shankar, saying that it was a unanimous decision of the party high command and had been accepted by all.

Siddramaiah will assume as party President on Jan 20. Earlier, Janata Dal workers gave a rousing reception to the new President on his arrival at the airport.

Siddaramaiah was welcomed by Housing Minister H D Revanna, Health Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa, Minister of State for Adult Education Krishnappa and others.

Siddaramaiah said in reply to a query that the Chief Minister J H Patel had not conveyed his intention of allocating the Financial portfolio held by him (Siddaramaiah) to another minister, to lighten the work load.

He said it was the prerogative of the Chief Minister to allocate portfolios and added he would consult Patel on this issue. Siddaramaiah stoutly defended his holding of the Deputy Chief Minister and party President's post (it is against the party's principle of one-man-one-post), stating that there was nothing wrong in handling two posts, under special circumstances.

He agreed with the suggestion that the party leadership should have taken Shankar into confidence before deciding on his removal from the party post, but said, ``Since the PAC had decided to take a decision on that day itself on the State problems, it could not find time to talk to Shankar.''

Later, addressing partymen who had gathered in front of his official residence, Siddaramaiah assured them that leaders would work in unity and sink their differences.