Bengaluru, Feb 18 (NationPress) In the midst of the ongoing leadership struggle within the Karnataka Congress, a group of Congress legislators, comprising both MLAs and MLCs, embarked on a foreign journey early Wednesday from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Nonetheless, these leaders firmly rejected any suggestions of political intentions behind the trip, asserting that it was entirely personal.

This situation has sparked speculation regarding the escalating leadership conflict within the Karnataka Congress. The legislators, who are viewed as allies of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, have departed on this foreign excursion. Sources indicate that this trip was organized by those aligned with the Chief Minister to counter discussions about a potential leadership shift advocated by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his supporters.

As per reports, the legislators boarded Malaysian Airlines flight MH 193, with their first stop being Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, before heading to Australia.

The MLAs' itinerary includes visits to Australia and New Zealand, with an expected return by March 1. Initially, around 35 legislators expressed interest in the trip, which later dwindled to 21. Ultimately, only 11 legislators took off for the journey, according to Congress insiders.

Before their departure at Bengaluru airport, MLA H.D. Thammaiah stated, “We had contemplated this foreign trip during the winter session held in Belagavi. Those interested joined us. This is not unprecedented; we undertake foreign trips annually. This time it has garnered attention. We typically travel with our families once a year. I have made the payment for the tours and travels agency from my own account.”

Former Minister and MLA Puttarangashetty added, “We did not notify Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about the foreign trip. Do we need to consult Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar? It's our personal journey, not involving any government department.”

Senior MLA Hampanagouda Badarli emphasized, “This trip is at our own expense. We are traveling to explore different countries and regions. The planning took place three to four months ago. There are no political ties. We typically travel abroad two or three times a year. Last year, we visited Muscat, and prior to that, we traveled through Europe and America.”

Congress MLC Vasanth Kumar remarked, “I have no awareness of any factions or political dynamics. This excursion is neither against nor supportive of anyone. Like-minded legislators have chosen to embark on this foreign tour, and we are proceeding as planned.”

Senior MLA Allamaprabhu Patil stated, “A foreign tour is a personal affair. I am accompanying my family. I cannot speak for others; my travel is with my family.”

What was initially perceived as a government-sponsored expedition has now been clarified as a private visit.

Meanwhile, Minister S.S. Mallikarjun departed for Colombia with his wife and relatives. He left Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru with his wife and seven companions, first traveling to Phuket in Thailand, then continuing to Colombia in South America.

It's noteworthy that the crisis within the Karnataka Congress regarding the leadership struggle intensified after Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar remarked that a decision had already been reached, which CM Siddaramaiah would announce at an appropriate time.

These comments on Tuesday stirred unrest within the ruling Congress party in the state.

In response to the foreign journey undertaken by Congress legislators, Shivakumar stated, “I am not informed about any tour program. I do not know if they are traveling abroad in a personal capacity or if someone is facilitating their trip. It remains a matter between those organizing it and those participating. As the state president, I am not privy to it.”