The Karnataka government is set to mark the completion of three years in office with a large-scale convention titled 'Pragatiyatta Karnataka' in Tumakuru, near Bengaluru, on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, even as speculation over a Congress leadership change in the state continues to swirl. A central feature of the event will be the distribution of property documents to 1.52 lakh beneficiaries.

What the Event Covers

The convention has two stated components, according to Home Minister G. Parameshwara. The first is the handover of sale deeds to 1.52 lakh property beneficiaries. The second is a formal accounting of the government's delivery against its election manifesto commitments made to voters ahead of the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections.

Parameshwara told reporters in Bengaluru on Monday that short-term manifesto goals had largely been met, while long-term projects — particularly irrigation schemes — would be rolled out over the next two years. 'When the manifesto was prepared, both short-term and long-term projects were planned. The short-term goals have been achieved. We now need to focus on long-term projects such as irrigation schemes, which will be implemented over the next two years,' he said.

Government Pushes Back on Leadership Framing

Parameshwara was unambiguous in separating the celebration from the ongoing internal party debate over whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will complete his full term or make way for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. 'The leadership tussle is a separate issue and cannot be mixed with this programme. We are organising this event from the perspective of development. Internal party matters should not be linked with it,' he said.

The Home Minister also clarified that no leader from the Congress national high command had been invited, underscoring the event's official — rather than political — character. 'This is a government programme and not a party programme,' he said, adding that the convention was 'not a platform for anyone to showcase strength.'

RTC Strike Looms After the Event

A potential disruption is brewing on the transport front. Road Transport Corporation (RTC) staffers have announced an indefinite strike beginning the day after the convention. Parameshwara said the employees had called the protest to press their demands, but indicated that a resolution was being worked out. 'The Chief Minister and the Transport Minister are addressing the issue. They have agreed to withdraw the proposal of showing black flags. After May 20, if required, the Chief Minister will meet them,' he said.

BJP Mounts Sharp Counterattack

Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra launched a pointed critique of the event, calling it 'not a celebration of achievements, but an exhibition of arrogance and failure.' In a strongly worded statement, Vijayendra alleged that the Congress government had failed to generate employment, neglected farmers, and mishandled women's welfare programmes — specifically citing the Gruha Lakshmi scheme as being ineffectively implemented.

Vijayendra also levelled corruption allegations against the government in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and Valmiki Corporation cases, and accused it of misusing funds earmarked for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He further targeted the administration over reservation policy, education, rising drug abuse, and the state of the healthcare sector. He alleged the government's claimed achievements existed only 'on paper and advertisement boards.'

What Comes Next

The Tumakuru event will be closely watched — not just for its policy optics, but for what it signals about the Congress government's internal dynamics as it enters the second half of its term. With the RTC strike scheduled for the following day and the leadership question unresolved, the weeks after the convention could prove as consequential as the celebration itself.