Allegations of Political Maneuvering in Karnataka

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has accused the Congress party in Karnataka of engaging in “horse trading” amid ongoing speculation about a potential change in the state’s chief minister. This accusation comes in response to claims made by Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar, who alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to destabilize the government by targeting 55 Congress legislators through central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Congress MLA’s Claims Against BJP

Kashappanavar, representing Hungund, asserted that the BJP has compiled a list of Congress MLAs to coerce them into joining their ranks by threatening them with ED or CBI raids. He suggested that these tactics are part of a broader conspiracy by the BJP to instill fear among Congress members and destabilize the current administration.

Union Minister’s Rebuttal

In response, Union Minister Joshi dismissed these allegations as a diversionary tactic by the Congress. He questioned whether Kashappanavar had any reason to fear being on an ED list, implying that only those who have committed wrongdoing would be targeted by such agencies. Joshi further claimed that internal rifts within the Congress party are leading to attempts at “horse trading” among its own members.

Internal Struggles Within Congress

Joshi alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar are vying for support within their party by using financial incentives to sway MLAs. He emphasized that this internal competition is causing instability within the Congress, which holds a significant mandate from the electorate. According to Joshi, this situation has led to speculation about a possible leadership change, with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar seeking to consolidate their positions.

BJP’s Stance on Political Allegations

Joshi reiterated that the BJP has no intention of interfering with the Congress’s mandate and accused the ruling party of fabricating allegations against them. He stated that the BJP respects the electoral mandate and is not involved in any attempts to topple the government.

Ongoing Speculation About Leadership Change

The political landscape in Karnataka remains tense as rumors persist about a potential change in leadership within the Congress. Despite these speculations, Siddaramaiah has maintained his commitment to completing a full five-year term, while supporters of Shivakumar assert that he will eventually assume the role of chief minister.