Bengaluru: The ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress party shows no signs of resolution as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar continue to vie for leadership. The political atmosphere in the state has turned tense with a notable development: a contingent of Congress MLAs from Siddaramaiah’s faction is set to embark on an international tour to Australia, igniting speculation and interest in political circles.
On Tuesday night, more than 27 Congress MLAs, all reportedly aligned with Siddaramaiah, are preparing to depart from Bengaluru to Australia. However, the trip has not been without its complications. Some legislators have opted out due to visa issues, while others have chosen to stay back to avoid incurring the wrath of the party high command. Reports suggest that several MLAs, despite having personal commitments abroad, have delayed their travel plans to prevent any political misunderstandings.
The situation has garnered significant attention, especially as it unfolds against the backdrop of a leadership crisis within the party. While some MLAs are claiming the trip is for agricultural study purposes, the Animal Husbandry Department has denied any official sanction for such a tour, leading to further confusion. Meanwhile, some members of the party are questioning the nature of the trip, describing it as a private tour and asking what is wrong with traveling at personal expense.
This political turmoil is compounded by ongoing tensions between the factions of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. On Sunday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged state leaders to unite and refrain from airing grievances publicly, emphasizing the need for cohesion as the party navigates a critical phase. However, remarks made by Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, asserting that his father would continue as Chief Minister for five more years, have elicited strong reactions from Shivakumar’s supporters, with some calling for Shivakumar to take the helm.
The discord highlights the fragile state of leadership within the Karnataka Congress, as both factions jockey for influence and control. Legislators such as Ganiga Ravikumar have publicly backed Shivakumar, asserting that he possesses the capability and knowledge to lead the party effectively. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the upcoming Australian tour is likely to be closely monitored for its implications on the Congress party’s stability in Karnataka.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the returning MLAs, who are set to come back to Bengaluru on March 1. This trip could be a pivotal moment for the Congress party, as it navigates internal divisions and external pressures in the lead-up to future state elections. The question remains: will this tour provide a much-needed respite for the party, or will it exacerbate existing tensions among its leadership?
