Third CM under Congress rule not surprising amid internal feud, alleges Karnataka BJP
Shivamogga (Karnataka), Oct 14 (IANS) BJP Karnataka President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, on Wednesday alleged that efforts were being made within the Congress to politically sideline Siddaramaiah, raising doubts over whether the party’s internal power struggle was behind the ongoing sting operation controversy.
He said it would not be surprising if Karnataka saw a third Chief Minister under the Congress government.
He said Congress leaders themselves must clarify who was behind the sting operations, who had orchestrated them and who was directing them.
He noted that ministers, legislators and senior leaders of the party had not categorically dismissed the allegations surrounding the controversy.
Referring to recent statements by Congress leaders including former minister K.N. Rajanna that Siddaramaiah has been targeted, Vijayendra said they raised questions about developments within the ruling party.
He also pointed to Siddaramaiah’s decision to approach the court and obtain an injunction, saying the larger issue was the internal power struggle within the Congress rather than the statements made by various leaders about the court order.
He alleged that an atmosphere of suspicion and anxiety had developed among ministers and legislators, who were worried about whether they could be targeted by sting operations and whether people within their own party were behind them.
Those who should be concentrating on governance were instead concerned about their positions and political futures, he said, adding that this reflected the seriousness of the crisis within the ruling party.
Vijayendra said that if the internal power struggle continued in the same manner, it would not be surprising if the state saw a third Chief Minister under the Congress government.
He said the possibility should not be dismissed lightly, adding that it remained to be seen how far the confusion within the ruling party would escalate.
Clarifying remarks about 20 to 25 legislators from other parties joining the BJP, Vijayendra said they should not be interpreted as an indication that the BJP intended to topple the government and come to power.
“Our wish is that the Congress government should continue in office for another year,” he said, adding that the government had a responsibility to fulfil the promises made to the people.
However, he expressed confidence that if elections were announced as early as the next day, around 20 to 25 legislators from the ruling party could join the BJP.
He said the political atmosphere in the state suggested that some legislators dissatisfied with the government’s functioning and developments within the party could be considering other options.
–IANS
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