Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Wednesday, 14 October alleged that forces within the ruling Congress party were actively working to politically sideline Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and said it would not be surprising if Karnataka witnessed a third Chief Minister under the present government. His remarks came amid a sharpening controversy over sting operations that has exposed deep fractures within the state's ruling coalition.

Key Allegations by Vijayendra

Speaking in Shivamogga, Vijayendra alleged that an atmosphere of 'suspicion and anxiety' had taken hold among Congress ministers and legislators, who were reportedly worried about whether they could themselves be targeted by sting operations — and whether the operatives were from within their own party. He called on Congress leaders to publicly clarify who had orchestrated the sting operations and who was directing them.

Vijayendra noted that neither ministers nor senior party figures had categorically dismissed the allegations surrounding the controversy, pointing to what he described as a telling silence at the top. He also cited statements by former minister K.N. Rajanna — who had said Siddaramaiah was being targeted — as raising serious questions about the internal dynamics of the ruling party.

Siddaramaiah's Court Move Draws Attention

The BJP leader drew attention to Siddaramaiah's decision to approach the court and obtain an injunction in connection with the controversy. Vijayendra argued that the larger story was not about individual statements or the court order itself, but about the internal power struggle playing out within the Congress. Those who should be focused on governance, he said, were instead consumed by concerns over their political positions and futures — a development he described as reflecting the seriousness of the crisis.

On BJP's Stance and Dissatisfied Legislators

Vijayendra clarified that reports of 20 to 25 legislators from other parties potentially joining the BJP should not be read as an intention to topple the government. 'Our wish is that the Congress government should continue in office for another year,' he said, adding that the ruling party had a responsibility to honour its promises to the people.

However, he expressed confidence that if elections were called as early as the following day, around 20 to 25 ruling-party legislators dissatisfied with the government's functioning could consider joining the BJP. He said the political atmosphere in the state suggested some legislators were already weighing their options.

What Comes Next

Vijayendra stopped short of issuing a formal political ultimatum, but his remarks amounted to a sustained pressure campaign against the Siddaramaiah dispensation at a moment when the Congress government in Karnataka is navigating multiple controversies. Whether the sting operation row produces a leadership churn or stabilises remains to be seen, but the BJP has clearly signalled it will keep the issue alive in the public domain.