Karnataka BJP Chief Forecasts Political Shift After Bihar Elections

Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra has predicted significant political changes in the state following the upcoming Bihar elections. His remarks come amid rising tensions within the ruling Congress Party regarding leadership dynamics, particularly between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

During a press briefing in Mysuru, Vijayendra indicated that there is increasing unrest within the Congress ranks, with legislators openly discussing the possibility of a leadership change. “Siddaramaiah seems to be in some hurry,” he noted, referring to the Chief Minister’s recent public displays of strength. He added, “Ruling Congress legislators and ministers are speaking about the October and November revolution in state politics, not the BJP.”

The BJP chief pointed to comments made by AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal, who has instructed party members not to speculate on leadership changes, emphasizing that any decisions will come from the party high command. “No one in Congress leadership is saying that there will be no leadership change,” Vijayendra asserted, suggesting that turmoil is inevitable in the political landscape of Karnataka after the Bihar elections.

Speculation regarding a potential shift in leadership has been fueled further by remarks from Congress MLA H D Ranganath and former Mandya MP L R Shivarame Gowda. Both have claimed that Shivakumar is poised to become the next Chief Minister, with Gowda predicting this change could occur as early as November. In contrast, Siddaramaiah has reiterated his commitment to completing a full five-year term, stating that he has already served 2.5 years in his second term.

Vijayendra addressed questions about the BJP’s role in the event of political changes, asserting that the party will continue to act as a responsible opposition. “Our strength has been reduced from 66 seats to 63 seats. We are functioning as a responsible opposition, focusing on discussing issues faced by the state,” he said. He criticized the Congress for what he termed “zero development,” accusing the party of being “anti-poor” and “anti-farmer.”

Concerns regarding the leadership struggle within the Congress have surfaced frequently in recent months. Following the May 2023 Assembly election results, competition for the Chief Minister’s position intensified between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. While the Congress managed to secure a compromise by appointing Shivakumar as Deputy Chief Minister, the details of a purported “rotational chief minister formula” have yet to be officially confirmed.

In addition to the political discourse, Vijayendra highlighted the impact of recent rains and floods in northern Karnataka, which have devastated crops and displaced numerous residents. He criticized the government for failing to adequately address the plight of affected farmers. “The government must respond to the concerns of farmers instead of merely making statements,” he urged.

As the Bihar elections loom, the political landscape in Karnataka remains uncertain, with both parties closely monitoring developments that may influence their strategies in the months ahead.