Karnataka Congress MLAs Head Abroad Amid Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Power Struggle
Karnataka Congress MLAs plan foreign tour amid ongoing leadership tussle, sparking political debate.
Amid growing power-sharing tensions within Karnataka’s Congress government, a group of party MLAs, primarily aligned with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is set to embark on a foreign tour, triggering fresh political debate. The move comes despite Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge advising state leaders to resolve differences through consensus, highlighting the ongoing leadership tussle in the state.
Initially, around 27 MLAs and several State Legislative Council members were expected to join the tour to Australia and New Zealand, though the number later dropped to about 20 MLAs with six to seven MLCs participating. The group is scheduled to depart from Bengaluru on February 17 and return on March 1, according to party sources.
The foreign tour is reportedly being used as a political signal to downplay statements made by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his supporters, who have been actively urging the Congress High Command to address the leadership issue in Karnataka. Shivakumar loyalists claim that 80 to 90 MLAs support him as the next Chief Minister.
Also Read: Shivakumar Back in Bengaluru Still Waiting for Congress High Command's Leadership Decision
In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accelerated pre-budget meetings immediately following the special Legislative session, asserting his intent to complete the full term. His son, Karnataka MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, confirmed that the High Command has rejected demands for a leadership change, reinforcing Siddaramaiah’s position.
Congress insiders say the Siddaramaiah faction sees the foreign trip as a strategy to show the party High Command that state legislators remain aligned under his leadership, even as some MLAs withdrew from the tour due to visa issues or concerns about displeasing the central leadership.
The development has drawn attention in political circles, with observers noting that the trip could serve as a subtle signal of factional strength within the party. Final participation decisions by a few MLAs are expected to be made shortly before departure, keeping the political narrative in Karnataka tense and closely watched.
Also Read: Siddaramaiah Backs High Command as Final Word in Karnataka Congress Leadership Row
