Senior Congressmen turn critics as Karnataka govt battles dissent, credibility crisis | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: The Congress govt in Karnataka is reeling under growing dissent, with two MLAs launching scathing attacks on the Siddaramaiah administration and a cabinet minister having to explain his own controversial remark on the state’s financial position. Opposition BJP has gleefully seized the moment to portray a govt in disarray.The crisis began with Aland MLA BR Patil publicly alleging corruption in the state’s housing scheme. In an audio clip that was widely shared, Patil is heard accusing Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation officials of demanding bribes to secure house allotments — comments that have embarrassed housing minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan.Though the clip was not officially authenticated, Patil admitted that he made them. They were quickly endorsed by Kagwad MLA Raju Kage, who echoed concerns over administrative inaction and threatened to resign.“Nothing is happening in my constituency either,” Kage said. “Funds under the CM’s special grant were sanctioned two years ago, but not one work order has been issued. Officials don’t listen. The system is broken.”Compounding the controversy, home minister G Parameshwara, speaking at a separate event earlier this week, was caught on camera saying, “We don’t have funds for anything. That is the truth.” The comment was widely circulated and interpreted as an admission of a financial crisis. After a backlash, Parameshwara quickly clarified that the remark was made in “jest”. The Chief Minister’s Office has downplayed the discord with Siddaramaiah saying he would speak to Patil and Kage and address their concerns. “If there are specific issues, we will resolve them,” he said. KPCC president and deputy CM DK Shivakumar called these remarks baseless and said the party would “look into the matter and react appropriately”.Still, they have left the party red-faced at a time when it is already under pressure over delayed infrastructure projects, falling revenue collections, and factional tension between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Political analyst MN Patil said the situation reflects a deeper malaise. “You don’t hear this kind of talk unless people in the system are deeply frustrated,” he said. “When two MLAs speak out and a minister fumbles over a serious issue like funds, it raises questions about cohesion and leadership.”Viswas Shetty, a Bengaluru-based political observer, said the Congress high command could no longer afford to remain passive. “The MLAs’ remarks appear to be politically motivated. From what I hear, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are encouraging MLAs to speak out to outmanoeuvre each other,” Shetty said.The string of remarks has exposed simmering discontent within the governing party and has given BJP a chance to go on the offensive. “Their own MLAs and ministers are saying the govt has failed,” BJP state president BY Vijayendra said. “Corruption, no development, and no funds — this is what Congress MLAs are telling people.”Opposition leader in the legislative council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said Congress has lost credibility. “If you want work done, you must pay bribes — that’s the reality. And now their own functionaries are admitting it,” he said.
