Is the BJP's Defeat Fueling a Maligning Campaign Against Karnataka's Government?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress party rebuffs BJP's allegations.
- Leadership speculation arises amidst political tensions.
- Commitment to inclusive development highlighted.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirms his tenure.
- Call for unity within the party to combat external narratives.
Bengaluru, Nov 21 (NationPress) The Congress party addressed the swirling rumors regarding leadership changes in Karnataka and the recent trip of its leaders to New Delhi, firmly countering the BJP's claims. They declared that a defeated and faction-ridden BJP, along with some media outlets, are orchestrating a malicious campaign against the Karnataka government.
Randeep Singh Surjewala, General Secretary and Karnataka Congress Incharge, took to X on Friday to express, "I had a discussion with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. They concurred that a decisively defeated and faction-ridden Karnataka BJP, along with certain media factions, are intentionally running a maligning campaign against the state and its Congress-led government."
Surjewala emphasized, "The primary objective is to undermine the remarkable achievements and the five Congress Government Guarantees, which stand as a model for inclusive development and distributive justice," as noted in his post.
He also pointed out that some unnecessary statements from Congress leaders and MLAs have contributed to the ongoing speculation. The INC has issued strict warnings to refrain from making public comments about leadership or succumbing to the agendas of vested interests, he added.
In defense of the Delhi trip taken by several MLAs, Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC chief D.K. Shivakumar likened it to previous visits made by Ministers and MLAs accompanying Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to the national capital and expressed his support for Siddaramaiah in retaining the Chief Minister's role.
Amidst the leadership controversy and the Delhi visit by a group of ministers and MLAs, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confidently asserted his intention to continue as Chief Minister and present the state budget for the remaining term of the government.
While addressing reporters at Mandakalli Airport in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah responded to inquiries regarding the leadership issue within the ruling party. When questioned about presenting the budget this year and for the remainder of his term, Siddaramaiah firmly replied, “Why are you (media) raising this question? Yes, I will remain as the Chief Minister and will also present the budget.”