Kharge's 'High Command' Remark Sparks BJP Backlash Amid Karnataka Power Struggle

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hit out at Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge over his recent comment on the party's 'high command' amid the ongoing power struggle in Karnataka. Kharge's remark, made during a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday, sparked a fierce reaction from opposition leaders, who questioned his authority as the party's national president. Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, described Kharge as the 'watchman of the Gandhi family,' suggesting that he has limited powers within the party. BJP leaders, including MLA Suresh Kumar and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly R Ashoka, also criticized Kharge, saying that his helplessness reflects his real status within the Congress party. They questioned who the actual 'high command' of the Congress is, pointing out that Kharge is the party's national president. The power struggle in Karnataka has intensified in recent weeks, with speculations over a change in the chief minister's post. The Congress government in the state hit the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has held two meetings with Kharge in less than a week, asserting that the ultimate decision lies with the party's high command. Siddaramaiah has said that he and his deputy DK Shivakumar will abide by the high command's decision, whatever it may be. However, several legislators supporting Shivakumar have travelled to Delhi to meet the party's high command, fueling speculation about a possible change in the chief minister's post. The Congress party's internal dynamics are under scrutiny, with some leaders questioning Kharge's authority and others backing Shivakumar for the top post. The situation is likely to remain tense until the party's high command makes a decision on the Karnataka chief minister's post.