Bengaluru: The political landscape in Karnataka remains tense as the state’s ruling Congress party faces internal disputes over the chief ministerial post. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday claimed that seven to eight senior legislators and ministers within the Congress are actively competing to become the next chief minister, leading to administrative paralysis and undermining governance in the state.

The remarks came from Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra, who spoke to reporters in Sirsi, asserting that the internal power struggle is directly responsible for the state government’s failures in addressing pressing issues, particularly those affecting farmers. “The state’s administrative machinery has completely collapsed due to the intensifying dispute within the ruling party,” Vijayendra said, adding that the rivalry among Congress leaders has led to inefficiency and negligence in governance.

BJP’s Criticism of Congress Governance

Vijayendra specifically criticized the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government for its perceived inaction in areas hit by rains and floods. He alleged that despite the worsening conditions, no minister had visited affected areas or interacted with farmers to understand their problems. According to him, the state government’s failure to distribute central aid effectively stems from internal disarray and a lack of coherent leadership.

He also accused the government of attempting to shift blame onto the Union government to conceal its shortcomings. “To receive funds for central government schemes, a state must submit a proper progress report. The Congress government has turned this into a tool to mislead the public, blaming the Centre for its own failures,” Vijayendra said.

Despite the scathing critique, Vijayendra clarified that the BJP does not intend to form the government, noting that voters had given a clear mandate to the Congress in the 2023 state elections. “We respect the mandate of the people. Our focus is on holding the government accountable and highlighting its lapses, not on seeking power through instability,” he said.

Deputy CM and Congress Pushback

The BJP’s criticism came a day after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed the opposition’s narrative of a deepening rift with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress president, emphasized that there are no differences between himself and Siddaramaiah.

Following a breakfast meeting with the Chief Minister, intended to demonstrate party unity, Shivakumar told reporters, “Being the party president, I know my limits. Nowhere have I made any comments or expressed a difference of opinion with the CM.” He added that the government’s focus remains on collaborative efforts aimed at long-term political planning, with an eye on the 2028 assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.

However, opposition leaders have dismissed this public display of unity as mere political optics. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi remarked that while the Congress may be projecting a “ceasefire,” internal tensions have actually intensified. “Political instability unseen anywhere else in the country is now present in Karnataka,” Joshi asserted, reflecting broader concerns about the potential impact of factionalism on governance.

Historical Context and Leadership Deadlock

Speculation over Karnataka’s leadership issue has been ongoing for months and intensified after the Congress government completed half of its five-year term. The controversy is rooted in a purported agreement within the party, suggesting that DK Shivakumar would assume the chief ministerial post after two-and-a-half years. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, has consistently maintained that he intends to serve the full five-year term, creating a deadlock that has fueled political speculation.

The leadership dispute has also drawn the attention of influential community organizations, which have reportedly begun backing different factions within the Congress. Shivakumar enjoys support from a section of the party’s core voter base, while Siddaramaiah continues to hold sway over other segments, reflecting the broader social and political dynamics at play. Analysts note that this alignment of community support further complicates the prospects of a smooth resolution, raising concerns about prolonged instability within the ruling party.

Impact on Governance and Public Perception

Political analysts and observers have expressed concern that the ongoing tussle within the Congress may have significant repercussions on governance and service delivery in Karnataka. With leaders more focused on internal power equations than public welfare, essential administrative functions—such as disaster response, agricultural support, and infrastructure development—risk being delayed or neglected.

Vijayendra’s comments underscore the BJP’s strategy of holding the ruling party accountable by highlighting governance lapses. By drawing attention to administrative inefficiency and allegations of mismanagement, the BJP aims to consolidate public perception of Congress as a party consumed by internal rivalry rather than committed to effective governance.

Public opinion appears divided. While some constituents express frustration at delays in disaster relief and perceived governmental inaction, others see the infighting as a standard feature of coalition politics, believing that internal negotiations are part of a broader democratic process. Nevertheless, the sustained media coverage and political debate surrounding the leadership issue indicate that the matter remains highly salient in the state’s political discourse.

Potential Implications for Future Elections

The ongoing rift could also have implications for upcoming elections. Party unity is often critical for electoral success, and a visible divide between two prominent leaders can affect voter confidence. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah’s factions may need to reconcile differences to present a coherent narrative to the electorate in the run-up to the 2028 assembly elections and 2029 general elections. Failure to do so may embolden opposition parties and provide them with opportunities to capitalize on perceived instability.

Despite BJP’s warnings, there are also signs that the Congress leadership is aware of the risks posed by publicized infighting. The breakfast meeting and subsequent statements by Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah reflect an effort to project unity and reassure both party members and the public that the government remains focused on governance priorities. Political observers suggest that the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this facade of cohesion translates into actual resolution of leadership tensions.

Conclusion

Karnataka’s political scenario remains fluid, with the Congress party navigating a complex web of internal rivalries, public scrutiny, and opposition criticism. The BJP’s assertions of seven to eight leaders vying for the chief ministerial position highlight the perception of instability, even as Congress officials seek to portray a united front.

With half of its term already completed, the state government faces mounting pressure to balance internal power dynamics with governance imperatives. The leadership deadlock, coupled with opposition scrutiny, underscores the intricate relationship between political strategy, administrative efficiency, and public perception in Karnataka. As the state moves toward the latter half of the legislative term, the handling of this intra-party rift will likely influence not only immediate governance outcomes but also the broader political landscape in the years leading up to crucial elections.