State BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Saturday escalated his attack on the Congress government, claiming that the administration in Karnataka has “completely collapsed” due to the ongoing power tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
Speaking to reporters, Vijayendra said the BJP had no role in the “infighting” within the ruling party and rejected allegations that the opposition was trying to exploit the situation. “The talk of an ‘October revolution’ and ‘November revolution’ came from Congress ministers and MLAs themselves,” he said. “We are comfortable in the opposition. The mandate is clear. But Karnataka’s problems must be addressed.”
Accusing the government of failing to deliver on its two-and-a-half-year-old manifesto promises, Vijayendra alleged that governance has taken a hit because the CM and his deputy are “spending four days a week in Delhi” amid the leadership tussle. “Shivakumar is aiming for the CM’s post, and because of their infighting, the entire cabinet and Congress MLAs are camping in Delhi. As a result, the administration has collapsed,” he said.
The BJP leader further claimed that law and order in the state is deteriorating, citing daylight robberies and murders, and accused the government of “massive corruption”. “Karnataka has become an ATM for the Congress high command,” he alleged.
Vijayendra also criticised the government’s handling of farmer distress and flood compensation, saying that salaries of government employees were being delayed. “What achievements is Siddaramaiah talking about when there is no development activity and the administration is paralysed?” he said.
Amid the growing chatter about a leadership change, Siddaramaiah on Friday insisted he would continue as chief minister and present future budgets. Shivakumar responded with a curt: “All the best.” (PTI)