Is the Mysuru Convention a Strategy to Undermine Shivakumar?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic revelation, Karnataka's Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, claims the recent Mysuru convention led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was aimed at sidelining Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The internal conflicts within Congress raise questions about the party's stability and governance in Karnataka.
Key Takeaways
- Internal strife within Congress is becoming increasingly public.
- The Mysuru convention may have been aimed at undermining Shivakumar.
- Bengaluru faces significant challenges like traffic congestion and waste management.
- Ashoka criticizes Siddaramaiah's leadership style.
- Proposed solutions may not effectively address the city's issues.
Bengaluru, July 20 (NationPress) Karnataka's Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, asserted on Sunday that Congress members are engaging in street battles, claiming that the convention led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was not a governmental initiative but rather an effort to marginalize Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
During a press conference in Bengaluru, Ashoka stated that Siddaramaiah's convention highlighted the internal discord within the Congress party. He noted that there was no support for Shivakumar during the gathering. According to Ashoka, the meeting aimed to discipline Shivakumar and publicly embarrass him.
Shivakumar has now been relegated to a secondary leadership role. Ashoka emphasized that this was not a governmental event; it was a ritual intended to eliminate Shivakumar.
This situation represents a factional conflict between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. Ashoka remarked that the BJP does not need to overthrow the government, as it will ultimately collapse due to Congress's internal strife. Karnataka In-Charge Randeep Singh Surjewala visited the state to hear the concerns of MLAs, revealing that their disputes are now out in the open.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made disparaging comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Mysuru event, referring to the PM as a 'barker.' Ashoka interpreted this as a reflection of the mindset of Congress leaders, suggesting that their remarks stem from their realization that they are unlikely to regain power.
Ashoka criticized Bengaluru's degradation rather than its development. He indicated that issues like traffic congestion, flooding, and waste management will not be resolved through these measures.
“Dividing Bengaluru, which was established by Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, will not yield progress. Development is being oversold under the ‘Brand Bengaluru’ slogan,” he stated.
He warned that fracturing the city would result in revenue-sharing disparities, leading to further conflicts. There are currently no waste processing facilities in central Bengaluru. If garbage is transferred to outskirts, local residents may refuse to accept it, exacerbating disputes.
A proposal for a tunnel road has been submitted to the central government, but the state lacks funds for repairing pothole-ridden roads. Ashoka noted that Bengaluru's hard rock terrain makes tunnel construction impractical. He plans to meet with the Union Highway Minister to discuss the tunnel road proposal, suggesting that prioritizing the metro project would be more beneficial in alleviating traffic congestion.
“Congress MLAs have referred to Siddaramaiah as a ‘lottery CM.’ He is neither a people's leader nor an elected CM. Henceforth, he should identify himself as a ‘lottery Chief Minister,’” Ashoka concluded.
Point of View
The ongoing conflict within the Karnataka Congress party highlights significant challenges that could impact governance and stability in the region. The internal rifts, as pointed out by R. Ashoka, suggest a need for leadership introspection and unity, or risk further alienation among party members and constituents, ultimately affecting democratic processes.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the Mysuru convention?
The Mysuru convention, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was claimed by R. Ashoka to be a strategy to undermine Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, rather than a governmental initiative.
Why is there internal conflict within Congress?
The internal conflict within Congress is primarily due to leadership rivalry between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, which has become evident in recent events.
What are the major issues facing Bengaluru?
Bengaluru is currently grappling with severe traffic congestion, flooding, and waste management problems, which have been exacerbated by poor governance.
What does Ashoka say about Siddaramaiah's leadership?
Ashoka has criticized Siddaramaiah, labeling him a 'lottery CM' and questioning his effectiveness as a leader who represents the people's interests.
What solutions are proposed for Bengaluru's problems?
Ashoka suggests focusing on expanding the metro project to alleviate traffic issues instead of pursuing impractical tunnel road proposals.
