Karnataka Congress Leadership Crisis Intensifies Amid Foreign Trip Controversy
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Congress party in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has made significant remarks regarding a potential leadership change at the helm of the state government. Speaking on Tuesday, Shivakumar asserted that a decision on this matter has already been taken and that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would announce it at an appropriate time.
"Nothing is secret," Shivakumar declared. "I have already commented on the issue, and Siddaramaiah has also spoken. Even Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has made a statement. A decision on the issue was taken after discussions between Siddaramaiah, the high command, and me. When the time comes, Siddaramaiah himself will give an answer and convey the message to the people of the state."
Sharp Reactions and Evasive Answers
When pressed on whether he was indicating that the party high command had held discussions about changing the chief minister, Shivakumar reacted sharply, stating: "I won't answer your questions. Whatever statement I want to make, I will make." This response has only added to the speculation surrounding the leadership tussle between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has maintained that he would abide by any decision of the high command, while his supporters continue to assert that he will complete a full term as chief minister.
22 Congress MLAs Defy Party Warnings, Embark on Overseas Trip
In a move that has further intensified the political drama, 22 Congress legislators have defied reported warnings from the party high command and left for Australia and New Zealand early Wednesday. Originally, 27 legislators aligned with Siddaramaiah had planned the overseas trip, but five opted out following the high command's intervention.
The group that proceeded includes MLCs Sharangouda Bayyapura and D Thimmaiah, along with 20 other MLAs. However, four MLAs — NH Konareddy, Ganesh Prasad, Darshan Dhruvanarayan, and Anil Chikkamadu — and Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh decided to stay back.
Reasons for Opting Out
Konareddy explained his decision, saying: "I was supposed to accompany my party MLAs for the trip. But I decided to stay back owing to pending work in my constituency, Navalagund." Similarly, Prasad stated that he initially considered joining the tour but dropped out due to personal work and constituency issues in Gundlupuet.
Sources within the party reveal that Shivakumar was planning to press the high command to hold a Congress legislature party meeting by the end of February. The overseas trip is being viewed as a strategic move to counter this plan. Additionally, reports suggest that another group of MLAs is planning a similar trip, further complicating the situation.
High Command's Displeasure and Denials
The Congress high command is said to have taken a dim view of the trip, with AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Surjewala, reportedly calling several MLAs and urging them not to proceed. When questioned about the trip, Shivakumar claimed he had no prior information, stating: "I came to know about this only through the media. I do not know whether these are personal trips or whether someone is sponsoring them. There are people sending others on tours and people going on tours. As party president, I will not interfere in this."
Downplaying the Controversy
Minister Priyank Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, sought to downplay the controversy. He emphasized that legislators had travelled abroad earlier as well and questioned the need for permission. "I don't know who has asked them not to go on the trip. There is no connection between them and the preparation of the state budget," he said.
When asked about legislators travelling as a group, Priyank Kharge responded: "They had gone earlier as well. Legislators would have directly met the chief minister and placed their demands regarding their constituencies. Is there any rule that says legislators should not go on trips overseas? Is it illegal? Is it unconstitutional? Or is permission from the high command required? No. Do they require the govt's permission? No. They have undertaken a private trip as friends. Why should there be objections?"
He also dismissed reports that Shivakumar had asked legislators not to proceed, questioning the source of such information and stating that, to his knowledge, no one had called the legislators.
Political Implications and Future Moves
The defiance of 22 MLAs and Shivakumar's cryptic remarks have significantly heightened tensions within the Karnataka Congress. The power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister's post is now more pronounced than ever, with both factions maneuvering to gain an upper hand.
As the high command attempts to mediate and maintain party unity, the coming weeks are likely to see further developments that could reshape the political landscape in Karnataka. The overseas trip and the ongoing discussions about leadership change underscore the deep-seated divisions within the state Congress, posing a challenge to the party's stability and governance.
