Karnataka BJP predicts 'Diwali dhamaka' amid 'vertical split' in ruling Congress

Reiterating that there will be Diwali dhamaka in Karnataka, Vijayendra said, "We have been saying it for a long time. The information that we are getting from corridors of power is that all is not well within the Congress party."

Bengaluru: BJP state president B Y Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka on Wednesday said that a big political fight was brewing in Karnataka, while claiming that growing tensions between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar were leading to internal clashes, unfair grant distribution, and weak leadership in the Congress government.

Speaking to reporters separately, both the BJP leaders warned that a major political crisis could soon hit the ruling party.

At a press meet held at the BJP state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, in the city, Vijayendra said, “The Russia-Ukraine war may stop, but here in Karnataka, a political war may not.”

He blamed the worsening situation on rising differences between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. “There are clear signs of division among the Congress MLAs. Many have lost faith in the CM. He is trying hard to win them back, which is why he is holding meetings—but he hasn’t included his deputy,” Vijayendra added.

Referring to a recent incident to highlight the issue, he said, “You must have seen how Shivakumar walked away alone from the stage at Siddaramaiah’s ‘Sadhana Samavesha’ in Mysuru. He flew to Delhi the same night. The real ‘Diwali Dhamaka’ is coming soon.”

Vijayendra also questioned the Congress government over delayed development grants. “Where is the Rs 50-crore grant Siddaramaiah announced? It’s been a week, and even ruling party MLAs haven’t received a rupee,” he added.

He also claimed that Rs 25 crore might be given to Opposition MLAs. “We’ve heard about the plan, but so far, nothing has moved,” he added.

Ashoka supported Vijayendra’s claims, saying the Congress party is now in two camps—“one that hates Siddaramaiah, and another that hates Shivakumar. This fight won’t end anytime soon.”

He said the CM has lost control over his MLAs and ministers. “They are more focused on saving their posts than governance.”

Ashoka accused Siddaramaiah of favouring only loyalists, using grants to buy support instead of helping people.