A routine welcome for a senior Congress leader at Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday swiftly transformed into a public demonstration of internal party politics, laying bare the persistent power struggle within the Karnataka unit.
Airport Welcome Turns Political
Workers from the Congress party had assembled at the airport to receive AICC general secretary KC Venugopal. However, as soon as Venugopal exited the terminal, the gathering, led by KPCC general secretary Mithun Rai, erupted into loud slogans praising Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
This orchestrated display was widely interpreted as a bold, ground-level assertion of support for Shivakumar. It directly underscored the simmering factional rivalry between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over influence and the future leadership trajectory of the party in the state.
Ceremonial Visit Overshadowed by Rivalry
Venugopal was in the coastal city to participate in the centenary celebrations of the historic dialogue between Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Narayana Guru. The event, marking the Guru's Mahasamadhi, was organized at Mangalore University by the Sivagiri Mutt and the university's Sri Narayana Guru Study Chair.
Despite the significance of this ceremonial visit, the political undercurrents dominated the narrative. The airport demonstration served as a stark reminder that the unresolved tension between the two top state leaders continues to shape and motivate party mobilisation at the grassroots level.
Implications for Congress Unity
The public airing of factional loyalty points to deeper, unresolved issues within the Karnataka Congress. Such open displays can potentially challenge party discipline and unity, especially as the state government navigates its term. The incident signals that the power tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar remains a potent force, capable of manifesting unexpectedly and steering focus away from official party agendas.
For national leaders like Venugopal, these episodes present ongoing challenges in managing state-level ambitions and maintaining a cohesive front ahead of future electoral battles.
