Is There a Complete Vertical Split Among K’taka Congress MLAs? 'Diwali Dhamaka' Expected: Vijayendra

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Internal Strife: There is a significant division among Congress MLAs in Karnataka.
- Leadership Concerns: Many MLAs are calling for a change in leadership.
- Political Predictions: A 'dhamaka' is anticipated by Diwali.
- Rivalry: Tensions between CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar are evident.
- Funding Issues: Promised funds for MLAs have not been disbursed, leading to dissatisfaction.
Bengaluru, July 30 (NationPress) Addressing the ongoing turmoil within the ruling Congress party, Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra asserted that there is a decisive vertical division among Congress MLAs.
“By the time of the Diwali festival, a significant ‘dhamaka’ is anticipated within the Congress government,” he remarked.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Vijayendra indicated, “There is a distinct vertical fracture among Congress MLAs in Karnataka. It is clear that the MLAs within the ruling Congress party are split. A considerable number of them wish for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to be replaced; they are seeking a new leader. This internal discord has been brewing for the last six months and is likely nearing its peak. We shall observe closely.”
He added, “We have been monitoring rising tensions between the CM and the Dy CM. The incident at the Mysuru Convention, where Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar was left isolated midway through, underscores their disagreements. The increasing dissatisfaction among MLAs regarding CM Siddaramaiah arises from a diminishing trust in his leadership. Siddaramaiah is troubled by this situation and is striving to regain the MLAs’ confidence. He pledged Rs 50 crore in funds to each MLA, yet not a single ruling party MLA has received these funds so far. There were also rumors suggesting that opposition MLAs would be allocated Rs 25 crore, but they too have not received anything.”
“By Diwali, a political explosion is unavoidable in the state. Some may argue that the BJP is overstating the situation, but if you consider the chatter in the corridors of Vidhana Soudha, it is evident that all is not well within the Congress. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine may come to an end, but the battle within the ruling Congress has already commenced — and it will not cease. This is the reality,” Vijayendra emphasized.
“There exists a complete vertical rift among Congress MLAs in Karnataka. A majority of them are dissatisfied with CM Siddaramaiah due to the lack of development and his failure to engage them. They are openly criticizing him regarding these matters. Deputy CM Shivakumar is perceived as the CM-in-waiting; some MLAs back him, others support AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, while a faction still favors Siddaramaiah. This has resulted in a total division,” he elaborated.
The leadership struggle within the ruling party has become increasingly apparent, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is conducting one-on-one discussions with party MLAs, while Deputy CM and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar is holding separate meetings with MLAs. This development is interpreted as a sign of rivalry between the CM and the Deputy CM.
In response to the matter, Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated, “Shivakumar can convene a meeting of MLAs whenever he wishes. During my tenure as party president from 2013 to 2018, I often held meetings without inviting the CM or Dy CM. There is nothing inappropriate about that.”