Karnataka: Shivakumar alleges plot being hatched in Singapore to topple Cong govt
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar made an allegation on Monday (July 24) that there was a plot to topple the Congress government in the state, and that secret discussions were being held in Singapore.
Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru, “I have information about HD Kumaraswamy’s visit to Singapore. Instead of finalising a “game plan” here in Bengaluru, they went to Singapore to work on a strategy. We know everything.”
He said that it was all part of a strategy, and he had come to know of it. He said the details of the conspiracy would become known if it was executed in Bengaluru.
The deputy chief minister went on to say that two former adversaries were now creating a partnership. He said he did not know how successful they would be, but the Congress was keeping a close watch on everyone.
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On Friday (July 21), the former BJP chief minister of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai and the former JD(S) chief minister HD Kumaraswamy conducted a press conference together in Bengaluru. They said they had decided to join forces and work as one against the Congress government in the state on different issues.
Kumaraswamy said, “BJP is in the opposition, and we are also in the opposition. We have decided to fight against this government together, both inside and outside the house. This decision has been taken for the welfare of the state.”
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The former prime minister and JD(S) senior leader HD Deve Gowda however said that his party did not plan to join the NDA or INDIA, and that it would operate independently.
The BJP spokesperson S Prakash was dismissive of the deputy chief minister’s allegation of a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
Prakash said, “He is making statements without substance. If they feel that their government is unstable even with the support of 135 MLAs, it shows a lack of leadership in the Congress. It is their party leader, BK Hariprasad, who said he could make or remove chief ministers, and it is not the BJP making such claims. We have the responsibility of being the opposition.”
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Kumaraswamy reportedly flew to Singapore on Sunday (July 23).
A spokesperson of the JD(S), who wanted to remain anonymous, said that Kumaraswamy had gone overseas for medical reasons, as he had done so in the past.
He said the Congress’ allegation of a conspiracy was just paranoia on their part.
In the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, Congress won 135 seats in the 224-member Assembly, while BJP and JD(S) secured 66 and 19 seats respectively.
(With agency inputs)
