BJP leader and former Karnataka minister R Ashoka has launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in the state, alleging that the cabinet is filled with loyalists of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, leaving no room for the current Chief Minister to function independently.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ashoka said, "There are no loyalists of the Chief Minister in the Cabinet. The government is being remote-controlled by Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi. The Chief Minister has no freedom to take decisions on his own."
Ashoka's comments come amid growing speculation of factionalism within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka. He claimed that the party high command in Delhi is micro-managing the state government's affairs, sidelining the Chief Minister.
"The Congress government in Karnataka is not a government of the people but a government of select individuals. The ministers are not allowed to work independently. Every decision is taken by Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi," Ashoka added.
The BJP leader also criticized the Congress for failing to deliver on its poll promises. He said the people of Karnataka are disillusioned with the Congress government's performance and are looking forward to the next elections.
"The Congress government has failed on all fronts—law and order, economy, and welfare schemes. The Chief Minister is just a puppet in the hands of the party high command," Ashoka said.
Reacting to Ashoka's allegations, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala dismissed them as baseless. "The Congress party works as a team. The Chief Minister has full authority to run the government. Such allegations are part of the BJP's frustration after losing power," Surjewala said.
Meanwhile, political analysts say the infighting within the Congress could hurt the party's prospects in the upcoming local body elections. "If the factionalism continues, it will be difficult for the Congress to retain power in the state," said analyst N. S. Srinath.
The Congress government in Karnataka came to power in 2023 after defeating the BJP. However, internal squabbles have been a persistent challenge for the party. Ashoka's remarks highlight the growing rift between the state leadership and the central leadership of the Congress party.
