Modi said the Congress leadership had no option but to change CM (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party over the recent leadership change in Karnataka, claiming that growing public anger against the state government forced the party to replace its Chief Minister.
Addressing a public event in Surat, Modi said the Congress leadership had no option but to change the Chief Minister because of increasing dissatisfaction among the people of Karnataka.
“There is immense resentment among the people of Karnataka regarding the Congress government, and that is precisely why the party had to change its chief minister there,” the Prime Minister said during his speech.
The remarks came as the BJP intensified its criticism of the Congress over political instability and governance issues in Karnataka.
Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar officially took over as Karnataka Chief Minister earlier this week, replacing veteran leader Siddaramaiah.
The leadership transition marked the end of a prolonged internal tussle within the Congress that had continued ever since the party returned to power in Karnataka after defeating the BJP in the 2023 Assembly elections.
Congress had initially appointed Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, while Shivakumar was made Deputy Chief Minister. Reports at the time suggested there was an understanding within the party that Shivakumar would take over midway through the government’s five-year term.
Political uncertainty grew after Siddaramaiah reportedly did not step down upon completing two-and-a-half years in office last year. Following weeks of speculation and internal negotiations, the Congress high command eventually convinced Siddaramaiah to vacate the post and hand over leadership to Shivakumar.
The development triggered strong political reactions, with the BJP portraying the leadership change as a result of public dissatisfaction with the Congress government.
During his speech, Modi also said India had moved beyond “negative politics” and was now driven by optimism and aspirations. “India has moved far beyond negativity; this is a nation defined by optimism and fuelled by extraordinary aspirations. Its citizens are filled with dreams and resolve,” the Prime Minister said.
The Karnataka leadership change remains politically significant as both the BJP and Congress gear up for upcoming electoral battles in multiple states.
While the BJP continues to target Congress over governance and internal conflicts, Congress leaders have maintained that the leadership transition was part of a planned arrangement and reflected democratic functioning within the party.
