Has the Slugfest between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Gone Too Far?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing leadership conflict within Congress creates instability.
- Karnataka BJP's response emphasizes loss of control.
- Public trust in the government is being questioned.
- Formal complaints have been filed regarding the altercation.
- Factionalism is contributing to a toxic environment.
Bengaluru, July 26 (NationPress) The confrontation involving special officers associated with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister along with State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi has ignited a renewed discourse regarding the leadership conflict within the Congress party.
The Karnataka BJP has asserted that the persistent altercation between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister has transcended all acceptable bounds.
In response to these events, Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka remarked on Saturday that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have entirely lost grip over Karnataka.
“The public confrontation between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has breached every limit, evolving from clandestine politics to overt threats at Karnataka Bhavan, Delhi,” he stated.
Ashoka further remarked, "If this is the condition of governance, how can anyone place their trust in the Congress-led administration in Karnataka to manage the state? This quest for power is not merely embarrassing - it is perilous."
He alleged that the factions of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are relentlessly attacking one another, settling scores repeatedly, while the so-called high command stands powerless in Delhi, leaving Karnataka without leadership.
"Karnataka deserves superior governance rather than this tumultuous spectacle and chaos," he concluded.
The clash involving the special officers of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi became public knowledge on Friday.
Official complaints have been lodged with Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, Karnataka Bhavan Resident Commissioner Imkongla Jamir, and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.
Given the sensitive nature of the issue, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has requested a comprehensive report from the Resident Commissioner.
Sources indicate that the altercation involved C. Mohan Kumar, Special Duty Officer (SDO) to Siddaramaiah, and H. Anjaneya, SDO to Shivakumar.
The dispute reportedly initiated when Mohan Kumar yelled at Anjaneya and allegedly threatened to strike him with slippers before staff members at Karnataka Bhavan.
Anjaneya has asserted that he is more senior in service, claiming that Mohan Kumar, who is younger and junior, disrespected him and sought to undermine him due to his position with the Chief Minister.
He also accused Mohan Kumar of harboring a personal vendetta against him and obstructing his promotions and postings.
Conversely, Mohan Kumar has alleged that Anjaneya is guilty of indiscipline and misconduct, asserting that numerous complaints exist against him.
Sources have indicated that “factionalism” amid the leadership conflict has resulted in a “toxic atmosphere” at Karnataka Bhavan.