Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai has issued a stark warning about potential political turbulence in Karnataka, citing the ongoing internal conflict within the Congress party over leadership positions. The veteran politician expressed serious concerns about the state's stability during his interaction with reporters in Haveri on Friday.
Congress Leadership Crisis Deepens
The internal struggle for the chief minister and deputy chief minister posts within the Congress party has reached critical levels, according to Bommai. He revealed that senior Congress leaders from the central leadership have proposed multiple formulas to resolve the deadlock, but none have found acceptance from the competing factions.
"If the tug-of-war for the top post continues, political turbulence is inevitable in the state," Bommai cautioned. He specifically criticized how both contenders are treating the matter as a prestige issue rather than focusing on governance.
Administrative Collapse and Development Standstill
The former chief minister painted a grim picture of the current state administration, claiming it has completely collapsed under the weight of political infighting. He highlighted several critical areas suffering due to the leadership crisis.
"Farmers are in distress and development works have come to a standstill," Bommai stated, emphasizing the real-world consequences of the political drama unfolding in the state capital.
He particularly criticized the state government's handling of maize procurement, questioning why the administration hasn't moved forward with purchasing 10 lakh metric tonnes despite the chief minister's orders. "Why are they not purchasing? Why has no agency been finalized? Why has the money not been released?" he challenged.
Dark Horse Scenario and Historical Context
Bommai revealed that a new formula excluding both current contenders is being prepared, suggesting the possibility of a surprise candidate emerging. "In state politics, anything could happen; a horse that is not visible now might appear later, and the horse in contention may not run," he predicted, indicating potential unexpected developments in the coming days.
When confronted with Minister Satish Jarkiholi's remarks about horse trading being BJP's specialty, Bommai countered strongly. "The Congress has been involved in horse trading since 1969," he asserted, referencing historical instances to support his claim.
He specifically mentioned DK Shivakumar's role in bringing Maharashtra MLAs and keeping Vilasrao Deshmukh under control as evidence of Congress's experience with political maneuvering.
Potential No-Confidence Motion
Regarding the possibility of BJP moving a no-confidence motion during the Belagavi session, Bommai indicated that the option remains open. "There is time till December 8. If such a situation arises, the occasion to move a no-confidence motion may come," he stated, keeping the pressure on the ruling party.
The former chief minister also dismissed the state government's attempts to shift blame to the Centre regarding maize procurement, calling it an escape from responsibility. His comments reflect the growing tension between the state and central governments on agricultural issues.
