Is AICC General Secretary Venugopal More Influential Than President Kharge?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- K.C. Venugopal is seen as more influential than Mallikarjun Kharge.
- Breakfast meetings indicate ongoing power struggles within Congress.
- Concerns about Dalit welfare remain unaddressed.
- The upcoming assembly session will discuss key issues in North Karnataka.
- Criticism of Congress for potential internal discord affecting governance.
Bengaluru, Dec 3 (NationPress) In a recent commentary regarding the breakfast meetings held between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, humorously pointed out that it's apparent that AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal holds more sway than AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, effectively positioning him as the true high command.
During a media briefing at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru on Wednesday, he mocked, “This is the state of the Congress party. Both CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar have engaged with Venugopal. It has become clear that the real power of the high command resides with one person.”
He went on to claim that when internal strife arose within the Congress government, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge had traveled to Bengaluru, consulted with all parties for several days, and eventually expressed, “I am unable to resolve this. I am quite disheartened. I will report this to the high command.”
“If the AICC President is indeed the high command, why did he make such statements? This has led to confusion among the populace,” Narayanaswamy remarked.
He further accused, “The Congress lacks capital resources. Karnataka is the sole state that contributes capital resources to the party. Currently, they are comparing the two leaders against each other. Siddaramaiah is eager to maintain his power, while D.K. Shivakumar is keen to seize it.”
He criticized the Congress for merely delivering speeches about Dalit welfare while failing to address their genuine needs. “Even Dalit leaders are silent. They appear to be more focused on preserving the Congress party rather than advocating for their own community,” he asserted.
“The assembly session in Belagavi is set to commence on December 8, aimed at discussing matters related to North Karnataka. Yet, 31 bills are already prepared, with another 21 reportedly added. Is this merely a session for passing bills?” he questioned.
“The session lasts only 9–10 days. Do not disregard North Karnataka,” he urged.
He mentioned that senior Congress figure Raju Kage has voiced concerns about government discrimination and even discussed the demand for a separate state. “If discrimination persists, such demands will only intensify,” he cautioned.
He further criticized the Congress for being adept at dividing states and the nation. “They have fractured Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. Now the question arises — are they attempting to divide Karnataka too?” he inquired.