The BJP has accused the Congress government of stopping the construction of a statue of Bhuvaneshwari Devi, a revered deity, and instead calling for tenders to build a bronze statue of Rajiv Gandhi. The decision to build the statue of Rajiv Gandhi at a cost of Rs 1.05 crore has sparked a debate within the Congress party in Karnataka.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and state party President D.K. Shivakumar have publicly stated that there is a shortage of funds to implement five guarantee schemes in the state. They have instructed MLAs not to seek funds for developmental activities in their constituencies, but rather focus on ensuring the proper implementation of the free schemes.
The Congress believes it is crucial to implement all five guarantee schemes before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in order to win the majority of MP seats and demonstrate the party’s commitment. Meanwhile, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has advertised for tenders to construct a bronze statue of Rajiv Gandhi, with the intention of replacing an existing statue.
The BJP has accused the Congress government of neglecting the construction of the Bhuvaneshwari Devi statue and prioritizing the statue of Rajiv Gandhi instead. Sources suggest that power struggles within the Congress government are increasing, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Shivakumar aiming to please the high command at any cost.
These internal differences within the party have become more apparent after two months of rule in the state. Challenging statements from Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad and Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara regarding CM Siddaramaiah’s leadership have indicated these tensions. Additionally, a letter allegedly written by more than 10 MLAs expressing their dissatisfaction and lack of respect is causing headaches for the party.
