Karnataka govt withdraws cases against CM Siddaramaiah & Deputy CM Shivakumar for COVID-19 rule violation
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday dismissed speculations suggesting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has lost control over the state administration. His remarks come amid increasing internal unrest within the ruling Congress, with multiple MLAs making public criticisms of the government’s performance.
Addressing media questions on growing dissent among party legislators, Shivakumar said the narrative about administrative breakdown is media-driven and lacks substance.
“The CM has not lost control. There is nothing like that. You media people are just blowing it up,” said Shivakumar, pushing back against the perception that Siddaramaiah’s leadership is faltering under internal pressure.
He further added that any concerns would be handled by the Congress high command, and assured that there is no crisis in the party or the government.
Growing Rift Within the Congress
The controversy stems from recent remarks by several Congress MLAs, notably B.R. Patil and Raju Kage, who have publicly criticized their own government. B.R. Patil alleged bribery in housing allotments under the Housing Department, while Raju Kage hinted at resigning, citing inaction on development works and lack of fund disbursal. Kage went so far as to allege that the administration had collapsed.
These public outbursts have embarrassed the Congress leadership, while the opposition BJP and JD(S) have used the opportunity to slam the ruling party, accusing it of massive corruption and demanding resignations of both CM Siddaramaiah and Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan.
Siddaramaiah Holds Damage Control Talks
Upon returning from New Delhi, Siddaramaiah reportedly met both dissenting MLAs—Patil and Kage—and urged them to refrain from public criticism. Sources say the CM assured the duo that their grievances would be addressed promptly.
During his Delhi trip, Siddaramaiah met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leaders including K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala. Reports indicate that the high command advised the CM to maintain internal unity, resolve discontent at the grassroots level, and prevent further erosion of the party’s image.
Also Read: Congress High Command to Intervene in Karnataka Crisis as Dissident MLAs Demand Change of In-Charge
Shivakumar’s remarks signal an attempt by the Congress leadership to project unity and control, even as fissures within the party continue to widen.
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