Karnataka: BJP Struggles to Challenge Congress Amid Scandals and Price Hike
2 July 2024 2:02 PM IST
Party insiders cite leadership failures
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and senior BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa (PTI)
Mangaluru: As Congress intensifies its challenge to the BJP at the national level, the saffron party is struggling to capitalize on significant issues against the Congress government in Karnataka, such as the Valmiki Corporation scam and the rise in prices. Most of the BJP’s efforts have been limited to social media campaigns and symbolic protests.
Party insiders acknowledge this failure, noting that without establishing themselves as a strong opposition, they cannot effectively address people's concerns or present themselves as a viable alternative to Congress. Despite not holding official opposition status at the center, Congress leaders consistently raised various issues against the BJP-led central government. Since the recent parliamentary elections, Congress and its allies have increased their scrutiny of the BJP, particularly on controversies like NEET, both inside and outside Parliament. This vigorous opposition is starkly missing within the BJP in Karnataka.
BJP leaders point to their own state leadership's shortcomings, highlighting their failure to act as a robust opposition and to mobilize party workers effectively. A prime example is the alleged unauthorized money transfers from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd (KMVSTDC). The issue came to light following the suicide of accounts superintendent Chandrashekhar P. in May 2024, who left a note hinting at a Rs 187 crore scam. Despite the gravity of this issue and protests leading to Minister B Nagendra’s resignation, the BJP has struggled to maintain momentum.
"Protests and calls for resignation are not enough. Rs 187 crore is a significant amount of taxpayers' money meant for Scheduled Tribe development. Our party should have pursued this issue more aggressively and consistently to reach a logical conclusion," a BJP leader told Deccan Chronicle. "This was an ideal opportunity to highlight the Congress government's inefficacy, especially after they criticized the previous BJP government for a '40 percent commission'," he added.
Similarly, the BJP has been unable to leverage the issue of price rises effectively, despite various tax increases and soaring costs of essentials like milk, petrol, and diesel. The party's protests have lacked impact, with Congress blaming the central government for these price increases and dismissing BJP's concerns at the state level.
The BJP also failed to capitalize on the Guarantee Scheme, which has seen instances of beneficiaries not receiving promised benefits and development projects stalling due to financial issues. Party leaders believe that a more coordinated effort to highlight these issues could have strengthened the BJP's base in the state, aiding them in upcoming local elections.
Internal issues also plague the BJP's efforts. Party insiders suggest that some leaders, who might have voiced their concerns, remain silent out of fear that Congress might exploit their past controversies. This has resulted in a lack of unity within the party, further weakening its position.
Party insiders acknowledge this failure, noting that without establishing themselves as a strong opposition, they cannot effectively address people's concerns or present themselves as a viable alternative to Congress. Despite not holding official opposition status at the center, Congress leaders consistently raised various issues against the BJP-led central government. Since the recent parliamentary elections, Congress and its allies have increased their scrutiny of the BJP, particularly on controversies like NEET, both inside and outside Parliament. This vigorous opposition is starkly missing within the BJP in Karnataka.
BJP leaders point to their own state leadership's shortcomings, highlighting their failure to act as a robust opposition and to mobilize party workers effectively. A prime example is the alleged unauthorized money transfers from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd (KMVSTDC). The issue came to light following the suicide of accounts superintendent Chandrashekhar P. in May 2024, who left a note hinting at a Rs 187 crore scam. Despite the gravity of this issue and protests leading to Minister B Nagendra’s resignation, the BJP has struggled to maintain momentum.
"Protests and calls for resignation are not enough. Rs 187 crore is a significant amount of taxpayers' money meant for Scheduled Tribe development. Our party should have pursued this issue more aggressively and consistently to reach a logical conclusion," a BJP leader told Deccan Chronicle. "This was an ideal opportunity to highlight the Congress government's inefficacy, especially after they criticized the previous BJP government for a '40 percent commission'," he added.
Similarly, the BJP has been unable to leverage the issue of price rises effectively, despite various tax increases and soaring costs of essentials like milk, petrol, and diesel. The party's protests have lacked impact, with Congress blaming the central government for these price increases and dismissing BJP's concerns at the state level.
The BJP also failed to capitalize on the Guarantee Scheme, which has seen instances of beneficiaries not receiving promised benefits and development projects stalling due to financial issues. Party leaders believe that a more coordinated effort to highlight these issues could have strengthened the BJP's base in the state, aiding them in upcoming local elections.
Internal issues also plague the BJP's efforts. Party insiders suggest that some leaders, who might have voiced their concerns, remain silent out of fear that Congress might exploit their past controversies. This has resulted in a lack of unity within the party, further weakening its position.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story
