Karnataka Politics Is A House Of Cards Thriller: Internal Factionalism, Media Scrutiny, Judicial Setbacks Intensify Congress' Troubles

In a move that has stirred the political pot in Karnataka, the family trust of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge withdrew its request for a civic amenities site in Aerospace Park, Bengaluru, on Monday (14 October).

This decision comes amid growing concerns over land allocations involving political leaders, particularly in the light of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent alleged involvement in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scandal.

While the return of the land is being framed as a proactive measure, many view it as a direct consequence of the ongoing factionalism within the Congress party in Karnataka, which has left the party's high command deeply worried.

The land, initially earmarked for Kharge’s family trust, was meant for developmental purposes in Aerospace Park, an industrial hub. However, after Siddaramaiah’s controversial decision to return the land to MUDA under pressure, the Kharge family appears to have taken lessons from the fallout, returning their request before the issue could escalate further.

By preemptively distancing themselves from any potential controversy, the Kharge family aims to deflect accusations of favouritism and ensure the trust is not embroiled in the growing political storm.

The move comes at a time when the Congress party in Karnataka is facing significant internal turbulence. The leadership crisis has been simmering for months, with multiple factions jostling for influence. The CM’s involvement in the MUDA land scandal has only worsened the situation, with rumours now rife that Siddaramaiah may step down from his post at any moment. This uncertainty has emboldened several party heavyweights to make their power plays.

Leaders such as Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi have reportedly held ‘secret’ meetings, fuelling speculation about potential succession plans.

These leaders, along with others in the Congress fold, have issued contradictory statements, indicating the confusion and factionalism that have taken root in the party.

The high command is said to be deeply concerned, as it faces the challenge of managing the ambitions of multiple leaders vying for the chief minister's chair, all while attempting to maintain a semblance of unity.

The return of the land by the Kharge family trust is emblematic of a broader trend within the Karnataka Congress. Ministers and party leaders have begun backtracking on controversial decisions, likely in response to public and internal backlash.

The MUDA land scandal, in particular, has served as a wake-up call for those who had assumed that political manoeuvring would go unchallenged. With the high command watching closely and factions within the party threatening to unravel its stability, leaders are now scrambling to recalibrate their positions and avoid any further controversy.

Kharge, as Congress president, appears to be taking a calculated approach to distance his family from these issues, likely to safeguard his standing within the national party. The quick reversal by his family trust signals a recognition that any further missteps could provide ammunition for the opposition and embolden rivals within his party.

As the political chess board continues to play out in Karnataka, the Congress finds itself in a precarious position. Factionalism has left the party leadership divided, with aspirants for the chief ministerial post multiplying by the day.

The pullback of the land request by Kharge’s family, alongside growing pressure on Siddaramaiah, reflects the uncertainty that now surrounds the Congress in the state. The party high command will need to step in to manage the infighting before it causes lasting damage to the party’s prospects in Karnataka.

With the Karnataka Congress already in damage-control mode, the coming weeks will likely reveal the next steps in this unfolding political drama. Whether Siddaramaiah can survive the scandal or whether a new leader will emerge from the factional chaos remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the lessons from the MUDA scandal are being learnt, albeit under significant duress.