Shivamogga

Amid ongoing speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra on Wednesday claimed that the Congress high command was considering replacing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after concluding that the state government had failed to deliver effective governance over the past three years.

Addressing reporters in Shivamogga, Vijayendra alleged that marathon discussions held in Delhi had resulted in a decision that Siddaramaiah should step down.

“The Congress high command has acknowledged that the government led by Siddaramaiah has failed to provide good governance during the last three years and has therefore decided to change the chief minister,” he claimed.

The BJP leader said the key concern was not who would become the next chief minister, but the overall condition of the state administration.

“We have reached a stage where everyone has to think about the direction in which the state is heading. Due to internal conflicts, the administration had completely collapsed,” he charged.

Referring to alleged irregularities during the Congress government’s tenure, Vijayendra cited the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation fund transfer case and the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority site allotment scam.

He referred to the alleged illegal transfer of Rs 87 crore from the Valmiki Development Corporation during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a case that came to light after the death by suicide of an accounts superintendent who reportedly left behind a note detailing the alleged scam.

In the MUDA case, Siddaramaiah, his wife and a relative were named as accused. However, the Lokayukta police later filed a report giving them a clean chit, which was accepted by the court.

Vijayendra further alleged that Karnataka had been pushed into a severe debt burden under Siddaramaiah’s leadership.

“Perhaps, compared to other southern states, Siddaramaiah has pushed Karnataka into debts of nearly Rs 10 lakh crore. We need to understand the extent to which the state has fallen into a debt trap,” the B Y Vijayendra said.

Predicting political instability ahead, he claimed that mid-term Assembly elections in Karnataka were inevitable, regardless of who succeeds Siddaramaiah as chief minister.

“Even if Siddaramaiah resigns and anyone succeeds him, people will see confusion arising in the administration. Early elections will definitely happen in the state. No one can stop early elections in Karnataka,” he said.

Asked whether the Congress party’s internal rift would benefit the BJP, Vijayendra said his party would focus on presenting its own vision before the electorate rather than relying solely on anti-incumbency.

“Anti-incumbency is only a bonus. What matters is what we will offer the people of the state,” he said.

Vijayendra also spoke about the recent Karnataka visit of BJP national president Nitin Nabin, saying he chaired a core committee meeting in Bengaluru attended by MLAs, MPs and youth representatives.

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“Nitin Nabin has immense experience in organisational matters. He has the determination and capability to strengthen the organisation further,” he added.