Congress Infighting in Karnataka Could Bring 'Third CM': BY Vijayendra

He claimed that attempts might be underway within the Congress to politically sideline former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, whose leadership had helped the party come to power in the state

Shivamogga: Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Wednesday alleged that the power struggle within the Congress had intensified, saying it would not be surprising if the state got a third CM.

He claimed that attempts might be underway within the Congress to politically sideline former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, whose leadership had helped the party come to power in the state.

"Serious doubts are emerging over whether efforts are being made within the Congress itself to politically sideline Siddaramaiah, the very leader under whose leadership the party came to power in Karnataka," Vijayendra alleged.

Referring to the controversy surrounding alleged sting operations involving Congress leaders, he said the developments had exposed the internal power struggle within the ruling party.

"Congress leaders themselves must clarify who is behind these sting operations, who planned them and who is directing them," he said, adding that ministers, legislators and senior leaders had not categorically dismissed the allegations.

The controversy surfaced after Chief Minister D K Shivakumar recently warned his Cabinet colleagues about attempts to trap them through sting operations.

The CM subsequently said he knew exactly who was behind the alleged attempts to conduct sting operations against him and his ministerial colleagues, as well as who was financing private agents to conspire against him.

A Bengaluru court on Tuesday issued an interim injunction on a plea by Siddaramaiah seeking to restrain the publication and circulation of a video that he alleged was defamatory.

Siddaramaiah said he had approached the court against what he described as a "campaign of disinformation" targeting him.

Vijayendra said recent statements by Congress leaders had raised questions about developments within the ruling party. Referring to Siddaramaiah's court plea and the injunction, he said the larger issue was the power struggle within the Congress.

He alleged that an atmosphere of suspicion and anxiety had developed among Congress ministers and legislators, with leaders apprehensive about who might be targeted in the next sting operation and whether insiders were involved.

"If the power struggle within the Congress continues in this manner, it would not be surprising if Karnataka gets a third CM" Vijayendra claimed.

He cautioned against dismissing the possibility, saying the party's internal problems were escalating and could trigger further political developments in the state.

Vijayendra reiterated his claim that around 20 to 25 legislators from the ruling party could join the BJP if elections were announced immediately.

"Even if elections are announced tomorrow, I am confident that 20 to 25 MLAs from the ruling party could join the BJP," he said.

Clarifying his party's position, he said the statement should not be interpreted as an indication that the BJP intended to topple the Congress government and come to power.

"Our wish is that the Congress government should continue in office for another year. It has a responsibility to fulfil the promises made to the people," he said.

The BJP chief added that legislators dissatisfied with the Congress government's functioning and developments within the party could consider other political options.

He said Congress leaders must answer questions surrounding the internal conflict, the sting operation controversy and uncertainty over the party's leadership.

The ruling party, he added, should resolve its internal differences and focus on fulfilling the promises made to the people.