Hubballi (Karnataka), Nov 22 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of attempting to purchase MLAs during the rising tensions in the state’s leadership.

During a press conference in Hubballi, Joshi claimed that Shivakumar visited the Bengaluru Central Prison to garner backing from two imprisoned Congress MLAs, Vinay Kulkarni and Veerendra Pappi.

“He met them in jail on Friday. Why did he not meet them previously?” Joshi questioned, asserting that this meeting was aimed at securing their support once they are released.

“In the event of a vote for the chief minister’s position, their support will be crucial for him. Whenever Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is prompted to resign, he demands a vote. Both leaders are focused on amassing numbers by ensuring MLAs are on their side,” the Union Minister alleged.

On Friday, Shivakumar visited Bengaluru Central Prison and offered encouragement to Congress MLAs Vinay Kulkarni and Veerendra Pappi, who are being held as undertrial prisoners. This visit has taken on a political significance.

In the meantime, Congress MLA HC Balakrishna, a loyal supporter of Shivakumar, stated in Bengaluru that the Deputy Chief Minister possesses his own strength and capabilities.

“He does not require anyone to put on a show of support in Delhi or to create unnecessary hype. The high command will decide all matters. They should resolve this issue without causing embarrassment for the party,” he added.

Balakrishna emphasized, “The final decision should rest with the high command.”

He further clarified, “Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has not solicited support or instructed anyone to back him. MLAs may have shared their personal views. Shivakumar has explicitly told leaders not to embarrass the party through public statements. As State Congress President, he has confirmed that the high command is keeping track of all developments.”

The internal conflict within the ruling Congress party has intensified over demands for a change in state leadership after two-and-a-half years of the Siddaramaiah administration.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who arrived in Bengaluru on Friday for an event, has decided to stay in the state capital to tackle the crisis. He is expected to meet Siddaramaiah in the evening and is also likely to engage in discussions with Shivakumar.