Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje accused the Karnataka Congress government of focusing on power struggles instead of public welfare
Bengaluru: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Karnataka amid intense speculation surrounding a possible leadership change involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Speaking to reporters after arriving from Delhi at Kempegowda International Airport, the BJP leader criticised the ruling Congress leadership for allegedly prioritising internal power struggles over governance and public welfare.
Karandlaje also mocked the ongoing political uncertainty within the Karnataka Congress, stating that Siddaramaiah remained an experienced political strategist whose next move could not be predicted easily.
“Siddaramaiah is an old tiger. Nobody knows when he will play his next game. There is no guarantee until he actually resigns,” Shobha Karandlaje said.
Her remarks came amid growing political speculation that Siddaramaiah may step down from the Chief Minister’s post as part of the Congress party’s internal power-sharing formula.
BJP Targets Congress Over Karnataka Leadership Crisis
The Union Minister alleged that the Congress government had spent a significant portion of its tenure discussing leadership transition instead of addressing issues affecting people across Karnataka.
“For nearly two-and-a-half years, discussions have revolved around changing the Chief Minister. The Congress government is not concerned about people’s issues,” she alleged.
Karandlaje further accused the ruling administration of failing to effectively respond to weather-related crises and urban infrastructure challenges in the state.
Referring to recent rainfall and flooding incidents, she claimed Bengaluru was struggling with severe civic problems while political leaders remained occupied with internal disputes.
“On one side there is drought, on the other there is flooding. Bengaluru is inundated after rain, yet the government is busy fighting for the chair,” she said.
Shobha Karandlaje Questions Governance and Development
The BJP leader also criticised the Congress government over alleged lack of district-level governance and development activities.
According to Karandlaje, ministers were not adequately visiting districts or monitoring local issues despite the Congress securing a strong electoral mandate in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.
“The people gave them 135 seats to work for Karnataka, not to fight for positions,” she said.
She further alleged that financial constraints and political instability were affecting development works across the state.
Karandlaje also referred to the ongoing political rivalry between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, claiming that efforts to protect the Chief Minister’s position were closely linked to the leadership ambitions within the party.
“Siddaramaiah is trying to save the chair, while DKS wants to become Chief Minister,” she alleged.
Karnataka Political Tension Intensifies
The Congress government in Karnataka has remained under intense political focus over the past several days following reports of possible leadership transition discussions involving senior party leaders and the Congress high command in New Delhi.
Although the Congress leadership has not officially confirmed any resignation or change in leadership, repeated political statements from both ruling and opposition leaders have intensified speculation across the state.
Meanwhile, Karnataka continues to witness mounting political tension as citizens await clarity over the future leadership of the Congress government.
