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News India Live, Digital Desk: The ongoing internal strife in Karnataka Congress regarding the post of Chief Minister has now taken a new turn. On one hand, while Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar is busy strengthening his claim before the high command in Delhi, on the other hand, a group of about 22-25 MLAs, considered close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, are leaving for Australia and New Zealand.
What is the whole controversy?
In political circles, this foreign tour is being seen as the next level of ‘resort politics’. It is believed that the Siddaramaiah camp is sending its MLAs abroad to keep them united and to save them from the possible ‘operation’ of DK Shivakumar. However, officially it is being described as a ‘study tour’ of the Department of Animal Husbandry, the aim of which is to understand the techniques of dairy and animal husbandry in Australia.
Opposition attack and government clarification
BJP has termed this tour as a waste of public money and ‘foreign junket’. Opposition leader R. Ashok alleged that when the people of the state are struggling with inflation, the MLAs of the ruling party are going abroad for fun.
Seeing the growing controversy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified, “If MLAs are going abroad at their personal expense, then how can we stop them? No government money is involved in this.” At the same time, Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh had earlier talked about leading this tour, but after the controversy he has distanced himself from it.
DK Shivakumar’s stance
According to sources, DK Shivkumar camp has distanced itself from this tour. There is talk that Shivkumar supporters have been prevented from participating in this tour due to fear of displeasure from the high command. Shivkumar is currently camping in Delhi, where he is demanding implementation of the so-called ‘power sharing agreement’ (the Chief Minister’s agreement for two and a half years) signed after the 2023 elections.
Key Points:
Tour Duration: From 18 February to 3 March.
Number of MLAs: Initially there was talk of 35 MLAs leaving, but now the number has come down to 20-22.
Motive: On paper it is ‘animal husbandry study’, but in political circles it is being considered as a ‘show of strength’.
Time: The departure of MLAs abroad just before the budget session is indicating a major reshuffle in the politics of the state.