Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday alleged that the state is headed for two years of sustained political instability and administrative decline, blaming factional conflicts within the ruling Indian National Congress (Congress) government for undermining governance and public welfare. Bommai made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Gadag.

Internal Congress Tensions at the Core

Bommai claimed that despite the appearance of a smooth leadership transition on the surface, internal tensions within the Congress remain 'alive like burning embers.' He pointed to recent confusion over cabinet portfolio allocations as evidence of ongoing factional struggles.

He further alleged that Congress MLAs and ministers have not fully accepted the leadership of either Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar or Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara. According to Bommai, the visible pressure for ministerial berths reflects an internal belief among Congress legislators that the party is unlikely to return to power in 2028.

What Bommai Said

'There are many challenges. Only when a government is politically stable can it provide good governance. It remains to be seen how CM D.K. Shivakumar handles these issues,' Bommai said. He added that Shivakumar, often described as a 'trouble shooter,' would now have to manage internal crises without external support.

Bommai claimed the coming two years would be marked by political instability, dissatisfaction, and a decline in administration, asserting that 'the common people will suffer due to the Congress party's conflict-driven politics.'

The Siddaramaiah Factor and High Command Influence

On internal Congress dynamics, Bommai said former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is 'not sitting idle.' He noted that the influence of leaders including All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Working Committee (CWC) Member Siddaramaiah, and the party high command was evident during the first phase of cabinet formation. He added that if Shivakumar's supporters are accommodated in the next reshuffle, it would reflect his standing within the government.

BJP's Response on Deve Gowda Row

Responding to allegations by AICC General Secretary and Karnataka In-Charge Randeep Singh Surjewala — who accused the BJP of insulting former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda by not offering him a Rajya Sabha seat — Bommai said Surjewala had 'little understanding of Karnataka politics' and accused him of 'selective memory.'

Bommai countered that it was the Congress which had earlier removed Deve Gowda from the Prime Minister's post and had formed and collapsed governments with H.D. Kumaraswamy twice. He said the BJP leadership was considering honouring Deve Gowda appropriately at the right time.

Fuel Prices and Tax Relief Demand

On the recent rise in petrol and diesel prices, Bommai attributed the increase to global oil market disruptions and said the situation would stabilise within two weeks. He urged the state government to reduce fuel taxes to provide relief to citizens.

'I reduced fuel prices by ₹7 when I was Chief Minister. The state government should do the same,' he said, alleging that the current government has not reduced taxes but has instead raised them. He claimed Karnataka levies some of the highest fuel taxes in the country and that reducing them would ease the financial burden on the public.

With the next assembly election in 2028 still years away, how the Congress leadership navigates these internal fault lines will be closely watched.