Senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily has pointed fingers at the party's high command for the political turmoil in Karnataka. He remarked, 'The party must maintain discipline before it loses power in the state.' Speaking to news agency ANI, Moily said, 'There is no doubt this is political upheaval and the central leadership is responsible. They should know how to manage it, but things seem to be spiraling in another direction, which may harm Congress in Karnataka.'
The former Union Minister stated that the will of the high command to control this leadership tug-of-war should be strong. However, the situation has reached a point where resolution seems difficult. He also mentioned that the leaders and top brass of the Congress party should have foreseen these developments. Moily expressed regret, saying, 'Such circumstances should not have arisen, and I regret that this power struggle is tarnishing the atmosphere for the Congress party in Karnataka.'
Moily highlighted that leaders from various communities are pressuring the party to back Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah or Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for the top position. This sends a wrong message, and discipline is crucial; otherwise, Congress risks losing Karnataka to the BJP. He added, 'The Congress President or high command needs to instruct these leaders to remain silent. The state is in political instability, with each community pursuing its own strategy. Some are even suggesting they won't vote for Congress.'
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What's Happening in Karnataka Congress?
The contention between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar over the Chief Minister position in Karnataka has intensified. Congress secured a full majority by defeating the BJP in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. According to party sources, during government formation, it was agreed that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would each serve as Chief Minister for two and a half years. Siddaramaiah has completed his term, prompting Shivakumar's supporters to demand a leadership change in the state.
However, the Congress party has denied the existence of such an agreement, with Siddaramaiah affirming his intention to serve the full 5-year term as Chief Minister. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have urged the high command to resolve the uncertainty surrounding a potential leadership shift, as the ambiguity over who will be Chief Minister affects the party. The Karnataka State Backward Classes Federation (KSFBCC) has warned Congress that any attempt to remove Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister amid the power struggle will have consequences for the party.
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Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Vokkaligara Sangha has warned the Congress high command that if DK Shivakumar is treated unfairly, the Vokkaliga community will not support the party in the next election. Amidst all this, the Congress high command has intensified efforts to reconcile its two top state leaders. In this endeavor, Siddaramaiah has invited Shivakumar for breakfast tomorrow. At the same time, the BJP is closely observing the entire scenario and has stated it is ready to bring a no-confidence motion against the Congress government in Karnataka if necessary.
