Senior Congress leader and Karnataka minister Krishna Byre Gowda has made explosive allegations of internal sabotage within his own party, following accusations of land-grabbing leveled against him by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gowda has categorically refuted the charges, suggesting that disgruntled elements within the Congress party collaborated with the BJP to orchestrate the controversy.
A Legacy of Cultivation, Not Grabbing
At the heart of the dispute is a piece of land in Garudapalya village. Gowda provided a detailed historical account to counter the allegations. He revealed that the land was originally purchased by the royal family of Mysuru way back in 1923. The connection with his family began decades later.
"For some reason, in 1953, my grandfather Chowdegowda obtained the land on a 10-year lease," Gowda explained. He emphasized that since that pivotal year, his family has been continuously cultivating the land, implying a long-standing and legitimate claim based on possession and agricultural use, not illegal seizure.
Pointing Fingers at Internal Conspiracy
While defending his family's historical link to the property, Byre Gowda did not hold back in attributing the current political firestorm to internal party dynamics. His statement, "My own people helped BJP with this," is a direct indictment of possible factions within the Karnataka Congress. This hints at deep-seated rivalries and suggests the land-grab charge is being used as a political tool, both by the opposition BJP and by detractors within his party.
This accusation of internal collusion adds a complex layer to the political drama, shifting the narrative from a simple allegation of corruption to a story of potential political betrayal and intra-party conflict.
Political Repercussions and Ongoing Battle
The allegations and counter-allegations have significant implications for Karnataka's political landscape. For the BJP, it is an opportunity to keep the ruling Congress on the defensive by targeting one of its prominent ministers. For the Congress, Gowda's claim of internal sabotage exposes fissures that could weaken the party's unity ahead of future elections.
The case is likely to develop into a protracted political and legal battle. Key points of contention will include:
- The legal status of the lease agreement from 1953 and its continuity.
- The nature of the land records and any subsequent transactions.
- The validity of the "land-grab" charge against a history of cultivation.
Gowda's decision to publicly blame colleagues within the Congress marks a bold and risky strategy, setting the stage for further internal confrontation even as he fights the external allegations from the BJP.
