Karnataka, May 11 : The Karnataka Congress government pushed back strongly against BJP allegations of infighting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the ruling party of being distracted by leadership conflicts.
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar rejected claims of a dispute over the Chief Minister’s position and insisted that the Congress administration remained united.
Shivakumar’s response came after Modi alleged during a Bengaluru rally that the Karnataka government had spent more time managing internal tensions than solving public issues. BJP leaders have repeatedly highlighted speculation regarding rotational leadership arrangements between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
Congress leaders accused the BJP of spreading misinformation to destabilize the state government and distract attention from national economic challenges. They argued that the Congress administration continued to focus on welfare schemes, infrastructure, and governance delivery.
Shivakumar emphasized that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were working together under collective leadership. He said there was no conflict over power-sharing and accused the BJP of attempting to manufacture political instability.
The controversy reflects the high political stakes in Karnataka, which remains the BJP’s strongest southern state despite the Congress victory in the 2023 assembly elections. Both parties continue to view Karnataka as strategically important for future national contests.
Political analysts believe the BJP is attempting to capitalize on any perception of division within the Congress to regain momentum in the state. Congress leaders, meanwhile, are trying to project unity and administrative stability.
The exchange also demonstrates how Karnataka politics has increasingly become part of the larger national battle between the BJP and opposition parties. Statements made in Bengaluru are now carrying broader national political significance.
Observers say the Congress leadership will need to carefully manage internal coordination to avoid giving the opposition opportunities for political attacks. At the same time, the BJP is likely to continue using leadership speculation as part of its campaign narrative.
The sharp political exchanges between the two parties indicate that the campaign atmosphere is already intensifying even before major electoral contests formally begin.