Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday made it clear that he would travel to Delhi only when the Congress high command calls him, dismissing speculation about a power tussle within the state unit. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said, "The question of going to Delhi does not arise unless the high command summons me. I am busy with the administration here."
Background of the Power Struggle
The statement comes amid heightened political activity in Karnataka, with reports suggesting a rift between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Both leaders are seen as contenders for the top post, and their camps have been engaging in a war of words over the past few weeks. The Congress high command has been trying to maintain a balance between the two factions to ensure smooth governance in the state.
High Command's Role
Siddaramaiah reiterated his loyalty to the party leadership, stating that he would abide by any decision taken by the high command. "I am a disciplined soldier of the Congress party. Whatever the high command decides, I will follow," he said. The chief minister also dismissed rumors of him seeking a meeting with the party's central leadership to discuss the power-sharing arrangement.
Opposition's Reaction
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been quick to criticize the Congress government in Karnataka, accusing it of being embroiled in internal conflicts. State BJP president BY Vijayendra said, "The Congress government is more focused on power struggles than on governance. The people of Karnataka are suffering due to this infighting."
Political Implications
Political analysts believe that the ongoing tussle could impact the Congress party's performance in the upcoming elections. The party is already facing challenges from the BJP and other regional parties in the state. The high command is expected to intervene soon to resolve the differences and present a united front.
Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar has maintained a low profile, avoiding direct confrontation with Siddaramaiah. However, his supporters have been vocal about their demand for a larger role for the deputy chief minister in the state's administration.
Public Perception
The public perception of the Congress government has been mixed. While some appreciate the development initiatives undertaken by the Siddaramaiah-led government, others are concerned about the frequent political drama. "We want the government to focus on issues like unemployment, inflation, and infrastructure rather than internal squabbles," said a Bengaluru resident.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on the Congress high command, which is expected to make a decisive move in the coming days to end the uncertainty in Karnataka.
