Is there a battle within Congress to keep or remove Siddaramaiah as CM?
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Synopsis
In Karnataka, a power struggle within the Congress party intensifies as BJP leader R. Ashoka claims one faction aims to retain Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister while another seeks his ousting. With rising tensions and calls for clarity, the political landscape grows more precarious for the state’s leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Internal conflict within Congress is causing political instability in Karnataka.
- BJP's R. Ashoka highlights the struggle for leadership.
- Farmers are protesting due to rising issues affecting them.
- The administrative machinery is reportedly inactive.
- Calls for clarity on leadership are growing louder.
Bengaluru, Nov 22 (NationPress) In a pointed critique of the Congress party's internal disputes in Karnataka, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, R. Ashoka, remarked on Saturday that one faction within Congress is striving to keep Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, while another faction is attempting to remove him.
He urged the Congress leadership to clarify who is actually the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
During a press interaction following the Vande Mataram celebration outside his office in Bengaluru, senior BJP leader Ashoka accused the Congress of having deep divisions within its ranks. One faction is advocating for D.K. Shivakumar to ascend to the CM position, while another is engaged in efforts to thwart this move.
"The MLAs backing D.K. Shivakumar have been vocal, pushing for him to be named the Chief Minister. This internal conflict has reached a critical juncture. If Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge fail to make a decisive call, the government will struggle to operate. Government officials will be demotivated, and the administration will be severely compromised," Ashoka stated.
He further alleged that the state's administration is currently paralyzed due to the ongoing power struggle for the Chief Minister's position.
According to Ashoka, the state government has effectively "ceased to function" due to the continuous conflict between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
He claimed that the Congress leadership is showing little regard for the pressing issues faced by citizens, farmers, and students in the state.
In addition, he noted that there is a rise in criminal activities, farmers are protesting, and the political landscape in Karnataka is becoming increasingly dire.
"There is widespread confusion regarding who the Chief Minister is. Rahul Gandhi exhibits weak leadership, which is evident throughout the state. While these power struggles unfold, the people of Karnataka are bearing the brunt of the situation. Thus, the Congress leadership must promptly declare its decision regarding the Chief Minister's role," Ashoka added.
He also highlighted that two Congress MLAs are currently incarcerated and that Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar had to visit the jail to seek their support for his bid for the Chief Minister’s position.
"It is unfortunate to see the Congress party in such a diminished state," he remarked.
According to him, the Congress is struggling to maintain control over its MLAs and withstand the pressures from the Opposition.
"If they admit they cannot manage the Opposition's pressure, it only indicates that our (BJP's) opposition is effective. We are here to hold the government accountable, and we are doing so successfully," BJP leader Ashoka stated.
"Deputy CM Shivakumar speaks under duress. He has indirectly suggested that Siddaramaiah is a promise-breaker. Siddaramaiah risks being labeled as someone who fails to keep his commitments," he concluded.
Point of View
It's crucial to remain neutral while observing the political dynamics in Karnataka. This internal strife within the Congress highlights significant challenges that could impact governance and citizen welfare. The ongoing disputes may reflect broader issues within political parties in India, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and unity.
NationPress
23/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the factions within Congress in Karnataka?
There are two main factions in Congress: one supporting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and another advocating for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
What does BJP leader R. Ashoka say about the situation?
Ashoka claims that the ongoing power struggle within Congress is causing dysfunction in the state administration and affecting governance.
How is this internal conflict impacting Karnataka?
The conflict has led to confusion regarding leadership and has resulted in increased protests from farmers and rising crime rates.
What does Ashoka demand from the Congress leadership?
He demands a clear statement from the Congress high command regarding who the Chief Minister of Karnataka is.
What are the implications of this power tussle?
This internal strife could destabilize the government, hamper effective governance, and negatively impact the lives of citizens.
