Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Loses Temper During Congress Protest

The incident occurred amid rising political tensions within the state Congress unit, highlighting an ongoing power struggle between the state's two most senior leaders. While the event was intended to demonstrate party unity against central policies, it instead showcased internal friction.

What Happened at the Protest Site?

The Congress party was holding a protest against the Centre’s decision to replace the MGNREGA with the BBG (Bharat Gram Guarantee) scheme. Despite the presence of high-profile leaders like Randeep Singh Surjewala and several cabinet ministers, the focus shifted when:

• A section of Youth Congress workers began loudly chanting “DK, DK” slogans.
• The chants grew in volume, effectively interrupting the official programme and delaying the Chief Minister's speech.
• The interruption led to a visible display of frustration from the state's leadership.

Siddaramaiah Scolds Youth Congress Workers

Visibly annoyed, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah turned towards the slogan-raising workers and sternly demanded silence. He was seen giving a sharp stare and shouting at the group, directing them to sit down and allow the event to proceed peacefully. The moment has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread debate about the party's internal cohesion.

The Power Tussle: Siddaramaiah vs. DK Shivakumar

This episode is viewed by political observers as a reflection of the deep-seated rivalry between the two power centers in Karnataka:

• Leadership Aspirations: DK Shivakumar is widely known to be aspiring for the Chief Minister’s post, though the high command has not approved a transition.
• Tenure Commitment: Siddaramaiah has repeatedly clarified his intention to complete his full five-year term.
• Base Loyalty: The Youth Congress members involved are generally believed to be part of DK Shivakumar’s loyal support base, leading to such public displays of preference.