Amid escalating power-sharing tensions in the Karnataka Congress government, a group of like-minded party MLAs, mainly aligned with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is gearing up for a foreign trip, sparking fresh political discussions. Despite Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s advice to resolve differences, about 20 state Congress MLAs and 6-7 MLCs are set to depart for Australia and New Zealand on February 17. The tour, initially involving 27 MLAs, is seen as an attempt to counter statements on state leadership by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his supporters.
The decision to embark on the foreign tour holds significance against the backdrop of the ongoing leadership struggle in Karnataka. The group, scheduled to leave Bengaluru on February 17 and return on March 1, aims to downplay remarks made by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar and his faction regarding state leadership. Shivakumar’s loyalists have been advocating for a change in leadership, with claims that a significant number of Karnataka Congress MLAs support him as the next Chief Minister. In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has initiated pre-budget meetings earlier than usual, following demands for leadership change.
As demands for leadership transition persist, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s faction is orchestrating a foreign trip for Karnataka Congress MLAs to signal unity and contentment under his leadership. The move, seen as an effort to reassure the Congress High Command, has attracted attention, especially since many participants are associated with Siddaramaiah’s faction. While some MLAs have canceled their travel plans due to visa issues, others have withdrawn for various reasons, influenced by concerns about displeasing the party high command.
