KARNATAKA: Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Saturday intensified the political storm in Karnataka by alleging that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are “purchasing MLAs” to secure support amid the growing leadership tussle within the Congress.
Addressing reporters in Hubballi, Joshi claimed that Shivakumar visited Bengaluru Central Prison to meet two jailed Congress legislators — Vinay Kulkarni and Veerendra Pappi — in an attempt to gain their backing. “He met them on Friday. Why had he not visited them all this while?” Joshi asked, asserting that the Deputy CM’s sudden outreach was aimed at securing their support once they are released.
Joshi further alleged that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are busy trying to shore up their numbers as pressure mounts over the leadership issue. “Whenever Siddaramaiah is asked to step down, he insists on a vote. This is why both leaders are scrambling to ensure MLAs remain on their side,” he claimed.
The remarks add a new layer of tension to the Congress’s internal crisis in Karnataka, with the Opposition accusing the ruling party of resorting to unethical tactics to retain control.