It’s been two years since Karnataka’s assembly elections, but the state’s political landscape is still shaky, riddled with power struggles and public mudslinging.
Both Congress and BJP seem more preoccupied with fighting battles within their own houses.
HOUSES OF SIDDARAMAIAH & DK SHIVAKUMAR
Ever since the Congress came to power in May 2023, whispers of a “2.5-year Chief Minister deal” have kept the corridors of Vidhana Soudha buzzing.
Rumours that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar would replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah halfway through the term, has kept tensions simmering. Neither shied away from their chief ministerial ambitions, and their supporters are constantly at odds, even today.
As if that was not enough, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president post has become another bone of contention. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) recently issued a gag order, instructing members to stop discussing leadership issues in public. DK Shivakumar, who currently holds the position, defended his role, saying, “Positions are not handed out in shops or by speaking to the media. They are awarded based on our work and commitment to the party’s goals.”
This seems to have silenced fellow presidential post aspirers, at least for the time being.
The party’s ambitious guarantee schemes haven’t helped matters either. Intended to showcase Congress’s welfare credentials, the schemes have faced internal criticism, with some leaders claiming lack of funds for development projects. Congress MLA from Vijayanagar HR Gaviyappa had urged Siddaramaiah to revoke two or three guarantee schemes citing challenges in housing projects.
CRACKS IN KARNATAKA’S SAFFRON WALL
Not to be outdone, the BJP has its own share of infighting. Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi recently launched a scathing attack on state BJP president BY Vijayendra, calling him a “bacha” (child) and questioning his ability to lead.
Senior BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has been a vocal critic of former Chief Minister Yediyurappa, accusing him of promoting dynasty politics and contributing to the BJP’s recent electoral losses. In December 2024, the party high command intervened, issuing a show-cause notice to Yatnal, but the damage was already done. Vijayendra’s supporters have since demanded Yatnal’s expulsion.
The BJP was firm in its fight against the alleged Waqf land grab, but in Karnataka, two factions led the war. Both Vijayendra and Yatnal held parallel programmes over the Waqf land issue. During the protests, Yatnal continued taking veiled digs, opposing dynastic politics and indirectly targeting senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa.
The former Chief Minister replied, “Basangouda Patil Yatnal, along with others, has been requested by State BJP President Vijayendra to set aside their differences and work with us. However, continuing a separate agitation for personal pride does not reflect well on him.”
LEGAL TUSSLES IN BOTH PARTIES
One thing, however, is common in the two parties. Congress’ Siddaramaiah finds himself at the centre of the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, and BJP’s Yediyurappa is under investigation in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case.
Although both top honchos have denied allegations, they are still embroiled in scandals, with investigations underway in both cases.
The question remains, which party is better at dodging accountability, and which is simply better at turning the spotlight on the other’s flaws?
Politics in Karnataka is that of one-upmanship, but it looks like each is trying to one-up the other’s problems.