BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Monday alleged that internal differences within the Karnataka Congress leadership were the reason behind Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar not attending the state government’s pre-budget meeting.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Narayanaswamy claimed that there was a prior understanding within the ruling party regarding a power-sharing arrangement, under which the Chief Minister was expected to hand over leadership after two-and-a-half years based on the party high command’s decision. He alleged that the Chief Minister is currently unwilling to relinquish power, leading to growing dissatisfaction among senior leaders.
According to the BJP leader, the Congress high command is not inclined towards Shivakumar at present, prompting him to make efforts to consolidate his position within the party leadership. Narayanaswamy suggested that the Deputy Chief Minister’s absence from the pre-budget meeting reflects the ongoing leadership uncertainty and internal power struggle within the ruling dispensation.
He further said that such internal disagreements could impact governance and decision-making at a crucial time, especially as the state prepares to present its annual budget. The BJP leader asserted that the ruling party should prioritise administrative responsibility over internal politics.
The Congress party has not officially responded to the allegations regarding the Deputy Chief Minister’s absence or the power-sharing arrangement. Political observers note that leadership dynamics within the ruling coalition have been a subject of speculation in recent months.
The BJP has maintained that internal instability within the state government is affecting governance and has called for greater clarity and cohesion within the ruling leadership to ensure smooth administration in Karnataka.
