Supporters of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, aligned with the influential Ahinda movement, have launched a significant mobilisation drive across North Karnataka. This push comes amidst growing uncertainty regarding the Congress high command's stance on whether Siddaramaiah will be allowed to complete a full five-year term.
Ahinda Takes the Lead in Mobilisation
The Ahinda Karnataka Rajya Okkuta is spearheading efforts to consolidate support for the Chief Minister. The group is organising a major Ahinda convention in Hubballi on January 21, involving local leaders and elected representatives from the city. Further conventions are planned for Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Vijayapura, and other districts.
Ahinda, a Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits, was launched in Hubballi back in 2004 when Siddaramaiah was with the JD(S). It played a pivotal role in establishing him as a mass leader for marginalised communities. A senior Ahinda leader expressed concerns that Siddaramaiah's frequent statewide tours to inaugurate projects, coupled with celebrations marking him as Karnataka's longest-serving CM, hint he may not finish his term.
Speculation and Political Maneuvering
While Siddaramaiah has consistently asserted he would lead for five years, he recently altered his tone. He stated that any decision on leadership change rests with the Congress high command. This shift has fueled anxiety among his core supporters.
"We suspect that some serious efforts were made to change the CM, and there is also speculation that Siddaramaiah may step down at the behest of the high command after presenting a record 17th state budget," the Ahinda leader revealed. This, he added, has sowed confusion within the Ahinda ranks.
The leader issued a stark warning, stating that Ahinda supporters will not remain passive if a leadership change is forced. He also alleged a potential plan to placate Siddaramaiah by promising ministerial berths for his son and an MLA ticket for his grandson in the future.
Grassroots Mobilisation and Electoral Warning
Siddanna Teji, honorary state president of the Okkuta, outlined their extensive groundwork. "We travelled all over North Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka to mobilise support. We have conducted preparatory meetings to chalk out plans for huge rallies," he stated. A meeting is scheduled for Sunday to finalise plans for the Hubballi convention.
Teji emphasised the high stakes, indicating a severe political consequence if Siddaramaiah is replaced. "If this turns out to be true, we will not support Congress in the next election. All Ahinda votes will split and we will support other parties," he asserted. To bolster their demand, the organisers have invited prominent leaders like minister Satish Jarkiholi, Byrathi Suresh, and N Rajanna to participate in the convention.
The intensifying activity from the Ahinda base underscores the delicate political equation within the Karnataka Congress. It highlights the pressure on the party's high command to balance internal dynamics while managing the aspirations of a key social coalition that contributed significantly to its electoral victory.
