Karnataka’s politicians are playing Russian roulette with the state’s future

DK-Shivakumar-Siddaramaiah

Karnataka politics these days is like Russian roulette. The ruling Congress government, with an overwhelming mandate in the State Assembly, is fighting a new battle every day. The main opposition BJP which reclaimed its lost ground in the last Parliament elections has virtually splintered into three factions and its partner JDS of the Gowda clan is struggling to stay afloat.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who led the party to a massive victory in May 2023 is fighting the battle on two fronts - the central agencies and his own deputy and State Congress president DK Shivakumar.

The Karnataka High Court gave him a temporary reprieve by staying the proceedings by the ED against his reclusive wife Parvathi on Monday. It has also reserved the order in a case demanding CBI probe into the alleged scam in Mysore Urban Development Authority, or MUDA.

Congress’ internal turmoil has undermined governance

But his problems are far from over. Siddaramaiah who has always managed to maintain a clean image in a 45 year-long political career is worried about his image being sullied at the fag end of his impressive innings. He is attacking the PM Modi led NDA government in New Delhi for his situation. Siddaramaiah maintains that he is still clean and the entire MUDA case and the ongoing investigation are bogus. But he knows that the situation is rapidly becoming worse for him and his government.

If the judiciary allows the ED and CBI to go full throttle on the cases, Siddaramaiah knows his goose will be cooked soon. Whether or not the case has merit, it has undeniably damaged his carefully built reputation.

To make the matters even more difficult for him, ambitious and restless Shivakumar has gone public staking claim to the post of Chief Ministership. According to him there was an agreement to make him the CM after some time and it should be honoured.

These developments have impacted the governance and there is a policy paralysis in the state. Karnataka’s finances are under serious stress due to populist guarantee schemes and the worried MLAs are openly demanding revision of the scheme citing no funds for the development work in their constituencies.

Bengaluru city infrastructure is crumbling and needs an immediate upgrade. However, the government claims it is in control and blames the harassment and non-cooperation of the centre for the current situation.

BJP’s split wide open

The state BJP is witnessing a fratricidal war. A large section of the leaders and MLAs have openly revolted against state unit chief BY Vijayendra. Vijayendra, the second son of BJP stalwart BS Yediyurappa, was appointed chief in November 2023 to keep his father’s supporters happy. But it has led to a daily war of words and public threats shaking the very foundations of the party in Karnataka.

Many in the state BJP are wondering why the high command is unable to quell the rebellion and resolve the crisis. There are also talks of some dejected leaders weighing options of leaving the party.

Gowdas’ battle to survive

The JDS of the Gowdas is still reeling from the humiliating defeat of Union minister H D Kumaraswamy’s only son Nikhil in the recent Assembly by-polls. His elder brother HD Revanna is struggling to save his two sons from the ongoing alleged sex scam investigation. Some JDS MLAs who have not been comfortable with the party aligning with the BJP are now being wooed by the Congress to make a huge dent to Gowda’s party.

Like Russian Roulette, the Karnataka politics is throwing up fatal surprises every day.