Bengaluru, Jan 8 (UNI) The cancellation of a dinner meeting for SC/ST legislators, MPs, and leaders has further exposed the simmering power struggle within Karnataka’s ruling Congress.
The meeting, planned by Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, was called off on the instructions of AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, following objections raised by Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President DK Shivakumar.
While the Congress high command cited concerns over internal factionalism, the BJP wasted no time in wading into the controversy. BJP MLC AH Vishwanath openly backed Shivakumar as the deserving candidate for the Chief Minister’s post, stating, “Shivakumar, who worked tirelessly to rebuild the party during the Assembly elections, is the rightful successor. In every village, Shivakumar has at least 50 loyal party workers, unlike Siddaramaiah, who is surrounded by sycophants.”
Dr Parameshwara, confirming the cancellation on Wednesday, said, “The dinner meeting, initially planned at a private hotel, was cancelled under instructions from AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. A new date will be announced soon.”
Shivakumar, who recently returned from abroad, denied knowledge of the meeting. “I was abroad and unaware of Parameshwara organising a meeting with SC/ST leaders. I will look into it after returning to Bengaluru,” he remarked.
The Opposition further sharpened its attack, accusing Siddaramaiah of resisting a leadership transition. Vishwanath alleged, “Siddaramaiah is orchestrating such meetings to garner legislative support as he is unwilling to step down. If forced to resign, he could dismantle the Congress in Karnataka.”
Adding to the drama, BJP Leader of Opposition R Ashoka quipped, “It seems members of Siddaramaiah’s camp are already hosting farewell parties for him, as his resignation appears inevitable.”
The incident has heightened the longstanding rivalry between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar factions, raising questions about power-sharing dynamics within the Congress-led government.
