Can We Unify the INDIA Bloc If Our Own Leaders Are Divided?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Internal discord within Karnataka Congress is escalating.
- Veerappa Moily emphasizes the need for strong leadership intervention.
- Current tensions could harm the party’s political credibility.
- The caste-based mobilization is damaging party unity.
- Restoring order must be a priority before discussing leadership changes.
Bengaluru/New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) As tensions rise within the Karnataka Congress regarding the chief ministerial position, prominent Congress figure and former Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily voiced a pointed critique of the party's leadership on Friday. He warned that the party's high command is undermining its political strength by neglecting to address internal conflicts while advocating for the unification of the INDIA bloc on a national scale.
In an interview with IANS, Moily commented on the ongoing rivalry between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, urging the Congress leadership to promptly convene both leaders in Delhi and enforce strict discipline.
"Until these leaders are summoned and the situation is resolved, the AICC President or the High Command should instruct them to remain silent. Currently, it feels like chaos reigns. Various communities are asserting their demands, with some declaring they will withhold votes from Congress unless their preferred CM is selected," he told IANS, cautioning that this internal strife is harming the party's credibility at a critical juncture.
Moily stressed that the ruling NDA led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds significant political sway, and the Congress cannot afford to inflict wounds upon itself in Karnataka—a key state it governs.
"We possess sufficient resources to challenge the government, yet we discuss uniting the INDIA bloc while failing to reconcile our own Congress members," he said, labeling the current infighting as "irresponsible and politically disastrous."
The seasoned Congress leader also condemned the caste-based mobilization by supporters from both factions, as well as the involvement of religious figures in this political conflict. His remarks were made in light of the support shown by Sri Sri Nanjavadutha Swamiji towards D.K. Shivakumar's faction.
"What’s transpiring is not in the party's best interest. Campaigning through religious leaders must cease. The caste system is a significant evil for the party. Congress is dedicated to secularism, and that principle is being eroded," he warned, calling on the high command to step in before the situation escalates further.
Moily abstained from taking a definitive stance on whether Siddaramaiah should remain as Chief Minister, noting that leadership discussions can only take place once order and discipline are reinstated.
"Restoring control is the top priority. Leadership decisions can wait until discipline is reestablished," he stated.
With public declarations from various leaders, caste organizations, and religious figures intensifying the situation, Moily’s statements are perceived within party circles as a stern reminder that Karnataka—a crucial showcase for the Congress—is on the brink of enduring instability unless the high command takes decisive action.