Hubballi, Oct 18 (PTI) — Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Sunday alleged that factions within the ruling Congress were unhappy with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and that efforts were afoot to remove him from office after the upcoming Legislative Council polls.
Allegations of internal dissent, sting operations
Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Vijayendra claimed that recent sting operations — which he said targeted ministers and Congress legislators — had intensified internal tensions. He asserted senior Congress figures had lost confidence in the chief minister and would meet after the October 23 elections to consider their options.
“Several senior state Congress leaders have lost faith in Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The developments surrounding the recent sting operations raise questions about the Congress’s internal politics. Efforts are underway within the Congress to humiliate former CM Siddaramaiah. The sting operation setup seems to have moved from the KPCC office to Vidhana Soudha,” Vijayendra said.
Vijayendra told reporters the identity of those behind the sting operations, their targets and motive would become clearer in the coming days. He repeated an earlier prediction that former chief minister Siddaramaiah would have to step down as head of government, saying high-level meetings within the Congress were being held with that aim in mind.
Timing and political context
The allegations come days before the Legislative Council elections, when the BJP and its allies are contesting four seats. Vijayendra expressed confidence that NDA candidates from the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) would secure all four vacancies, saying party workers were actively campaigning together to that end.
Political observers note that accusations of intra-party plotting and mentions of sting operations tend to increase during electoral cycles as parties seek to frame narratives in their favour. The BJP leader’s statements add to an already charged atmosphere ahead of the MLC polls scheduled for October 23.
Claims and counterpoints
Vijayendra alleged conversations among senior Congress ranks had already taken place and a larger gathering was planned post-polls to decide the party’s next move concerning the chief ministership. He said conspiracies were being hatched to remain in power and that some senior leaders had discussed the matter.
The PTI report carries Vijayendra’s assertions; it does not include responses from the Congress leadership or Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. As such, the claims remain allegations rather than established facts. The Congress may respond through its official channels in the coming days, particularly after the Legislative Council elections when, according to Vijayendra, internal deliberations are expected.
Implications for governance and party unity
If senior members of a ruling party are indeed contemplating leadership change, it could have immediate governance implications in a state like Karnataka, where coalition mathematics and regional powerbrokers often influence policy direction. Leadership challenges can divert attention from administration and developmental priorities, affecting delivery at the grassroots.
For the electorate, allegations of stings and internal manoeuvring contribute to political uncertainty. Analysts say such developments can influence voter sentiment in the short term, particularly in local constituencies where the performance of ministers and legislators is closely watched.
- Who made the claims: B Y Vijayendra, Karnataka BJP president (reported by PTI)
- Main allegation: Senior Congress leaders have lost faith in CM D K Shivakumar and may move to remove him after MLC polls
- Context: Claims about sting operations targeting ministers and legislators; reference to a post-poll meeting to decide action
| Aspect | Claim |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Senior Congress leaders allegedly lost faith in CM D K Shivakumar |
| Sting operations | Reportedly targeted ministers and legislators; purportedly organised from KPCC office to Vidhana Soudha |
| Next steps | Senior leaders expected to meet after October 23 MLC elections to decide action |
The BJP’s assertions add pressure on the ruling party to either rebut the claims or allow internal processes to play out. With the Legislative Council elections days away, both parties are likely to intensify campaigning and public messaging.
The PTI report provides the basis for Vijayendra’s statements; it does not include any corroborating evidence for the sting operation allegations nor an official reply from the Congress. Further developments are expected after the MLC polls, when party meetings and media statements may clarify whether the BJP leader’s predictions materialise.
