Study tour or camp politics? 22 Karnataka Congress MLAs' Australia-NZ trip raises eyebrows

The trip comes amid continued buzz over internal equations within the Karnataka Congress, particularly regarding the leadership arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

• 22 Karnataka Congress MLAs to study in Australia, New Zealand
• Trip is private, not funded by government, say officials
• Tour timing sparks political speculation within Congress

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As many as 22 Congress legislators from Karnataka will travel to Australia and New Zealand from February 18 to March 3, in what is officially being described as a study visit on animal husbandry and sericulture practices.

To be noted here, the timing of the tour has triggered political speculation within the ruling party.

On February 12, MLA C Puttarangashetty had initially confirmed that over 20 legislators would be part of the delegation. "From the Animal Husbandry department, we are travelling to Australia and New Zealand to gather more information about the animal husbandry there. About 20-22 of us are going. While a few are coming with family, some of us are going solo," he had told reporters.

He said the team would return ahead of the state budget and that the visit was being coordinated by Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh. "Legislators from various regions of the state will be coming. Minister Venkatesh will also be coming with us," he has mentioned.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had, however, reportedly stated earlier that he was not aware of the visit. The government had no connection with the trip or its expenses, he mentioned.

According to sources, some MLAs had initially sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Chief Minister’s office, citing plans to study farm and dairy productivity models abroad. The visit was later said to have been revised as a private tour, with legislators bearing their own costs.

The trip comes amid continued buzz over internal equations within the Karnataka Congress, particularly regarding the leadership arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The timing has led to speculation in political circles that the tour may have broader implications, especially with discussions around possible power-sharing expected after the Budget session.

Shivakumar, too, has distanced himself from the development. "I came to know about this only through the media. I do not know whether these are personal trips or whether someone is sponsoring them. As party president, I will not interfere in this," he said.

Former MP DK Suresh also publicly clarified that Shivakumar had no role in organising the visit and suggested it may be privately sponsored.

Meanwhile, Minister Priyank Kharge has dismissed suggestions of impropriety, questioning the controversy around the tour. "Is there any rule that says legislators should not go on trips overseas? Is it illegal? Is it unconstitutional? Or is permission from the high command required? No. They have undertaken a private trip as friends. Why should there be objections?" he said.