Bengaluru, February 17: Karnataka’s Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has attempted to quell the controversy surrounding the proposed foreign trip of Congress legislators. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Tuesday, he noted that legislators have previously undertaken similar trips.
He questioned whether special permission is required for personal travel. Priyank Kharge stated that he is unaware of who advised the legislators against the trip. He also clarified that this journey is unrelated to the state’s budget preparations.
When asked why several legislators are traveling together, he mentioned that they have traveled together before without any prior discussion. He emphasized that legislators typically meet directly with the Chief Minister to address their respective constituency demands. He reiterated that traveling abroad is neither illegal nor requires permission from the party high command or the government.
Priyank Kharge asserted that the legislators are traveling as friends, and there is nothing objectionable about it. Regarding reports that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar allegedly advised legislators not to travel, he stated that he has no such information and believes no one has contacted the legislators.
This development comes amidst discussions and tensions regarding power-sharing within the Karnataka Congress government, as some legislators prepare for the foreign trip. Most of these legislators reportedly support Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sparking new debates in the state’s political landscape.
This situation emerged following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s advice to state leaders to avoid disputes and work towards consensus. The trip has gained significance amid ongoing leadership struggles within the party in Karnataka.
Sources indicate that initially, around 27 Congress legislators and members of the state legislative council planned to visit Australia and New Zealand. However, this number has now been reduced to about 20 legislators, potentially including six to seven legislative council members.
According to Congress sources, this group is set to depart from Bengaluru on February 17 and is expected to return on March 1. The trip is reportedly being planned to downplay statements made by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his supporting faction regarding state leadership.
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