Is Horse-trading Within Congress Gaining Momentum?

Koppal, July 20 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has asserted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have signaled a potential political shift in November, or possibly sooner, as indicated in their addresses during the Mysuru rally.

The Congress party organized a 'Sadhana Samavesha' on Saturday.

While speaking to journalists in Koppal on Sunday, Vijayendra remarked, "There are ongoing internal discussions within the Congress party regarding the next Chief Minister. Indications suggest that horse-trading in the ruling party is on the rise."

According to Vijayendra, the Chief Minister's decision to allocate Rs 50 crore came only after his own party's MLAs began to oppose him. He noted that these MLAs appear to have lost faith in the Chief Minister. Consequently, Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala has made several trips to Karnataka to soothe unhappy legislators.

Vijayendra criticized the Congress government, claiming it is mired in corruption with no significant development occurring in the state. He stated that wherever one goes, the public expresses anger and dissatisfaction with Siddaramaiah’s administration.

He challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to first address the concerns raised by the ruling party's MLAs before directing challenges at the opposition. Vijayendra sarcastically noted that the entire state has witnessed the events at the Mysuru rally.

MLAs from various constituencies are struggling due to lack of grants. People are questioning whether Siddaramaiah is serving as Chief Minister for the entire state or merely for Congress MLAs. He has not issued any formal documentation regarding the Rs 50 crore grant for development, and his letters have only reached Congress MLAs. There is no clarity on when this grant will be disbursed or if any funds will be available for opposition MLAs, he criticized.

In response to inquiries about irregularities in Koppal's Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL), he pointed out that payments were made despite Rs 72 crore worth of work not being completed. He asserted that scandals are occurring in every district, and the BJP will raise these issues and take action.

When questioned about the relationship between BJP senior leaders B. Sriramulu and mining tycoon Janardhana Reddy, he stated both are significant assets to the party. In elections, their collaboration has historically led to more seats for the BJP in the Kalyana Karnataka region. He added that both leaders are dedicated to the party and have pledged their support in fortifying the party's organization.