Union Minister Accuses Karnataka CM and Deputy of MLA Purchase Amid Leadership Crisis

Hubballi:

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of attempting to purchase MLAs' support during the ongoing leadership conflict in the state.

While speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Joshi claimed that Shivakumar's recent visit to Bengaluru Central Prison was intended to secure backing from incarcerated Congress MLAs Vinay Kulkarni and Veerendra Pappi.

"He met them in jail on Friday. Why had he not met them all these days?" Joshi questioned, suggesting the meeting was strategically timed to gain their support after release.

The Union Minister alleged, "In the event of voting for the chief minister's post, their support will be useful to him. Whenever Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is asked to step down, he insists on a vote. Both leaders are busy gathering numbers by ensuring the support of MLAs on their side."

Shivakumar's Friday visit to the Bengaluru Central Prison, where he offered encouragement to the detained Congress MLAs, has now become politically significant.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA HC Balakrishna, a known Shivakumar supporter, stated in Bengaluru that the Deputy Chief Minister possesses his own strengths and capabilities.

"He does not need anyone to stage a show of support in Delhi or create a build-up. All matters will be decided by the high command. Let them take a call and resolve the issue without embarrassing the party," Balakrishna remarked.

Balakrishna emphasized, "The final decision must rest with the high command."

He further explained, "Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has not asked for support or instructed anyone to back him. MLAs may have expressed their personal opinions. Shivakumar has clearly instructed leaders not to embarrass the party through public statements. As State Congress President, he has confirmed that the high command is monitoring all developments."

The internal conflict within the ruling Congress has escalated over demands for leadership change after two-and-a-half years of Siddaramaiah's government.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who arrived in Bengaluru on Friday for an event, has extended his stay in the state capital to address the crisis. He is scheduled to meet Siddaramaiah in the evening and is likely to hold discussions with Shivakumar as well.