Political Showdown in Heritage City
The picturesque city of Mysuru witnessed intense political drama on Saturday as competing factions within the ruling Congress party organized simultaneous demonstrations, exposing the deepening power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar.
Shivakumar Supporters Stage Bike Rally
In a massive display of political strength, hundreds of Vokkaliga community members and loyal supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar gathered in front of the historic Chandramouleshwara Swamy Temple in Vontikoppal. After performing religious prayers, the enthusiastic crowd launched a 5-kilometer bike rally through the city's major thoroughfares, carrying large portraits of their leader and demanding his elevation to the chief minister's position.
The procession, which included prominent office-bearers of the Mysuru District Vokkaliga Sangha and numerous Shivakumar followers, traveled through key city roads before concluding at the Palace Fort Anjaneya Temple. Participants raised passionate slogars throughout the route, creating a visible demonstration of their political demands.
Siddaramaiah Backers Respond with Counter-Protests
Meanwhile, in a coordinated response, AHINDA organizations including the Karnataka Backward Classes Awareness Forum and the Constitution Protection Committee convened an emergency round-table meeting at Jaladarshini Guesthouse. The groups unanimously passed a resolution demanding that Siddaramaiah be allowed to complete his full term as chief minister without interruption.
Following the meeting, Siddaramaiah's supporters assembled on Hunsur Road and staged a sudden road blockade, bringing traffic to a standstill for several minutes. The protesters sat on the road in a determined show of support for their leader, though they demonstrated civic responsibility by promptly allowing an ambulance caught in the blockade to pass through.
Police authorities eventually intervened to clear the crowd and restore normal traffic flow, while cautioning the agitators that unauthorized demonstrations would not be permitted in the future.
Religious Leader Enters Political Fray
Adding another dimension to the controversy, Sri Nischayananda Swami of Vishwa Vokkaliga Maha Samsthana Mutt publicly endorsed DK Shivakumar's claim to the chief minister's position. The respected religious figure emphasized that Shivakumar played a crucial role in bringing the Congress party to power in Karnataka and had significantly contributed to the successful implementation of the government's guarantee schemes.
The simultaneous demonstrations and competing demands have created a challenging situation for the Congress high command, which must now navigate these internal tensions while maintaining party unity and governance stability in Karnataka.
