Significant internal rifts have surfaced within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka over a contentious proposal to table a no-confidence motion against the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The move, championed by some legislators, aims to exploit perceived governance failures and internal discord within the ruling party, but faces scepticism from a large section of the opposition itself.
A Proposal Met With Internal Resistance
The idea of moving a no-confidence motion was advocated by V Sunil Kumar, the BJP MLA from Karkala. He has argued that the ongoing factional tussle within the governing Congress party presents a prime political opportunity for the opposition. Kumar believes the motion would force a dedicated debate in the legislative assembly, giving the opposition a platform to highlight the government's shortcomings.
"In the normal course, the government does not allow the opposition to raise pertinent issues. If we move a no-confidence motion, then the House must debate it on priority," Kumar stated. He further suggested that such a move would test the unity of the Congress and could attract votes from disgruntled Congress legislators if a secret ballot were allowed.
His proposal has reportedly found some support among a few OBC and Dalit legislators within the BJP. However, the plan is far from receiving unanimous backing within the opposition ranks.
Scepticism and Fears of a Backfire
Many senior BJP legislators and their ally, the Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S), are hesitant and view the proposal as a potential misadventure. Their primary concern stems from the Congress party's brute majority in the 224-member Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
Currently, the Congress enjoys the support of 142 MLAs, which includes four independents and Darshan Puttannaiah of the Sarvodaya Karnataka Paksha (SKP). In contrast, the combined opposition strength is limited to 82 MLAs, with the BJP holding 66 of those seats.
Opponents of the motion fear it could have unintended consequences. They argue that it might actually unify Congress MLAs, including those aligned with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, firmly behind Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, thereby strengthening his position. Furthermore, if the government wins the trust vote, it would be shielded from another no-confidence attempt for six months, and the move could divert public attention from pressing civic and agrarian issues.
There is also an apprehension about public perception, with some BJP members worried they could be accused of "adjustment politics" aimed at consolidating Siddaramaiah's hold on power.
Confident Government and Dismissive Allies
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has brushed off the threat, expressing full preparedness. After a breakfast meeting at Deputy CM Shivakumar's residence, Siddaramaiah told reporters, "I learnt from media reports that the opposition is set to move a no-confidence motion... We will face it very aggressively. Shivakumar and I have discussed a strategy for the winter session."
Congress functionaries have dismissed the BJP's plans with scorn. A.S. Ponnanna, Virajpet MLA and the CM's legal adviser, remarked, "BJP members have no confidence in their own party. They have no confidence in their legislative party leader and state president. So, they are resorting to the drama of a no-confidence motion."
Congress MLC Ramesh Babu added that some BJP MLAs were determined on a "misadventure" that would end up embarrassing both the BJP and the JD(S).
BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra confirmed that the proposal was discussed within the party forum and with the JD(S), but emphasized that no official decision has been taken. The internal debate highlights the strategic dilemma facing the Karnataka BJP as it navigates its role as the principal opposition in the state.
