The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Sonia Gandhi of running a proxy rule in Karnataka, similarly to her rule during the UPA government. The BJP made the statement after Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala was spotted at a meeting with government officials and ministers in Bengaluru. The BJP questioned Surjewala’s attendance, stating that as a leader from Haryana, he has no right to attend meetings in Karnataka. The BJP also called this meeting an 85% deal fixing meeting and demanded answers from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar. The meeting was held at a private hotel and attended by Shivakumar and senior Karnataka minister KG George as well as top officials from BBMP and the advocate general of Karnataka.
BJP spokesperson Mohan Krishna stated that Surjewala’s presence reminded him of Sonia Gandhi’s proxy rule in the state during the UPA rule. The BJP has urged Karnataka’s Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and the Karnataka High Court to take action against such behaviour from the state government. Krishna called for Surjewala and the IAS officers to be removed and noted that BBMP Commissioner, BDA Commissioner, and senior ministers were present at the meeting. He criticised officials for not explaining the purpose of the meeting to the public and warned that they cannot escape accountability.
This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions in Karnataka, with the ruling Congress Party and the BJP regularly trading accusations and criticism. The BJP has frequently targeted Sonia Gandhi and her family, alleging corruption and ineffectiveness during their rule. It remains to be seen what action the Governor or the High Court will take in response to the BJP’s latest allegations.
