The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp attack on the Congress party following the resignation of Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy over a portfolio dispute. State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra remarked that infighting has become a daily affair in Congress and predicted that more leaders might exit the party.
Portfolio Row Leads to Resignation
Ramalinga Reddy, a senior Congress leader and minister in the Karnataka government, submitted his resignation on Thursday after being denied his preferred portfolio. The development has exposed fresh fissures within the ruling party, which has been grappling with internal conflicts since coming to power.
BJP's Reaction
State BJP chief Vijayendra said, "First, they were fighting over the chief minister's chair. Now, they are fighting over ministerial posts and portfolios. This is not a day without infighting in Congress. More wickets will fall." He added that the Congress government in Karnataka is unstable and focused on internal power struggles rather than governance.
The BJP has been quick to capitalize on the situation, accusing Congress of prioritizing personal ambitions over public service. Party leaders have called for early elections, claiming that the Congress administration has lost its mandate to rule.
Congress Response
Congress leaders have downplayed the resignation, calling it a temporary setback. Party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Internal differences are part of a democratic party. We will resolve this issue soon and continue our focus on development." However, the resignation has sparked concerns about the party's stability in Karnataka, especially after similar portfolio disputes earlier this year.
Background of the Conflict
The Congress party in Karnataka has been plagued by factionalism since its formation of the government. The power tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has been an open secret. The latest portfolio row involving Ramalinga Reddy is seen as another episode in the ongoing internal strife.
Political analysts believe that the infighting could weaken Congress's position in the state ahead of the next assembly elections. The BJP, on the other hand, is using every opportunity to project itself as a united alternative.
As the drama unfolds, all eyes are on whether Congress can contain the damage or if more resignations are in the offing.
