Bangalore, India – Political tensions are escalating in Karnataka as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the ruling Congress party of engaging in "horse-trading" within its own ranks. The allegations center around purported attempts by rival factions within the Congress to secure the loyalty of their Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) amidst ongoing speculation about a change in the state's Chief Ministership.
According to senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Congress leaders are allegedly offering substantial sums of money, real estate, and luxury vehicles to influence MLAs. Narayanaswamy claimed that the offers have reportedly reached ₹50 crore (approximately $6 million USD), along with a flat and a Toyota Fortuner car. In some instances, the alleged offers have escalated to between ₹75 crore and ₹100 crore. These claims suggest a fierce competition between groups loyal to current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who are supposedly vying for dominance within the party.
Narayanaswamy didn't hold back in his criticism, accusing the Congress party of misusing public funds to "purchase MLAs" and suggesting that its leaders are "intoxicated by power" due to their strong majority in the assembly. He warned that the BJP would not remain silent if the Congress government continued to engage in horse-trading while neglecting the concerns of the people. He stated that the party's next course of action would be determined by state president BY Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka, and other senior leaders. Narayanaswamy also targeted Congress's Dalit leaders, alleging they lack the courage to push for a Dalit Chief Minister.
These explosive claims have surfaced as the Congress government approaches the 2.5-year mark in office, a period that has been linked to persistent rumors of a "power-sharing pact" or 'November revolution'. While many within the party publicly deny the existence of such an agreement, it continues to fuel internal tensions.
The BJP's accusations have added fuel to the already simmering tensions within the Karnataka Congress. Recent reports have indicated a growing power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. The core of the conflict reportedly stems from a power-sharing deal made after the Congress victory in May 2023, where Siddaramaiah was expected to serve as Chief Minister for the first 2.5 years, after which Shivakumar would take over. As this deadline approaches, Siddaramaiah's supporters are advocating for him to complete the full five-year term.
Amidst these allegations, the Congress party has attempted to present a united front. Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has dismissed suggestions of disunity within the party, attributing the rumors to external forces seeking to undermine the government's achievements. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has also echoed this sentiment, reiterating his commitment to collective leadership and supporting Siddaramaiah's full term as Chief Minister.
The current political climate in Karnataka highlights the challenges the Congress party faces in balancing caste equations, managing ambitions, and maintaining unity. The BJP, meanwhile, is seizing the opportunity to attack the ruling party and raise questions about its integrity. The coming weeks are likely to be crucial as the state Legislative Assembly session approaches and the Congress party grapples with these internal conflicts and external pressures.
