Leader of Opposition R. Ashok and BJP MP Govind Karjol at a press conference in Kalaburagi on Tuesday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Leader of Opposition R. Ashok and BJP MP Govind Karjol launched a scathing attack on Congress leaders in the state, accusing them of being preoccupied with power struggle when farmers are facing severe distress.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Mr. Ashok said that for the past six months, the Congress has been embroiled in a fierce battle for the Chief Minister’s post.
He said the crisis has now escalated into “horse-trading” within the party as the leaders (Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar) are spending crores of rupees to secure the support of MLAs.
Mr. Ashok accused Mr. Shivakumar of putting pressure on various individuals to show majority. “They are approaching the leaders in jail and those who are hospitalised. Siddaramaiah became visibly subdued after observing this development,” he quipped.
“With the state reeling under an agrarian crisis and farmers protesting for crop loss compensation, Congress leaders are busy in power struggles, horse-trading and fighting for the Chief Minister’s post, leaving the administration paralyzed,” Mr Ashok reiterated, adding that Mr Siddaramaiah, who had earlier claimed to complete a full five-year term, now appeared uncertain.
Mr. Karjol said AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge has become a nominal puppet. “The party is no longer under Mr Kharge’s control as all major decisions in the Congress are taken by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi only,” he said.
Responding to a question, Mr. Ashok clarified that the BJP has no intention of forming the government through the back door. “We will go to the people, face elections and seek a new mandate,” he added.
Published – 25 Nov 2025 20:35 IST
