A group of Congress legislators from Karnataka, comprising MLAs and MLCs, departed for a foreign trip from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. The legislators clarified that the visit was personal and not politically motivated. This move has sparked speculation regarding the ongoing leadership conflict within the Karnataka Congress.
The legislators, known to be aligned with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, are traveling abroad amidst rumors of a leadership struggle. Sources suggest that this trip was arranged by supporters of the Chief Minister to counter discussions about a potential leadership change led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
The lawmakers boarded a Malaysian Airlines flight, MH 193, bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, before continuing their journey to Australia. Their itinerary includes visits to Australia and New Zealand, with a return date set for March 1. Initially planned for around 35 legislators, the group eventually comprised only 11 members, as per Congress insiders.
MLA H.D. Thammaiah mentioned that the idea for the trip was conceived during a previous session and emphasized that such foreign tours were an annual occurrence for them. Former Minister Puttarangashetty clarified that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister were not informed about the trip, highlighting its private nature. Another legislator, Hampanagouda Badarli, stressed that the tour was self-funded and devoid of any political affiliations.
Congress MLC Vasanth Kumar reiterated that the tour was not linked to any factions or political motives but was a decision made by like-minded legislators for a leisurely trip. Similarly, Senior MLA Allamaprabhu Patil emphasized that the foreign tour was a personal matter undertaken with family members. What was initially perceived as a government-sponsored tour has now been clarified as a private excursion.
Meanwhile, Minister S.S. Mallikarjun embarked on a separate journey to Colombia with his family and friends, departing from Bengaluru. The leadership crisis within the Karnataka Congress escalated following Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar’s statement hinting at an impending decision by CM Siddaramaiah. These developments have stirred tensions within the ruling party in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, commenting on the legislators’ foreign trip, expressed unawareness of the details, emphasizing that it was a matter between the travelers and the organizers. He distanced himself from the tour, stating that as the state president, he was not involved in its planning or execution.
