Siddaramaiah refutes 'snub' by Rahul Gandhi amid Karnataka power tussle

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has refuted BJP leader Amit Malviya’s allegation that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, ‘humiliated’ him amid the Congress high command’s decision to stay away from the power-sharing tussle in the state.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not meet any Karnataka leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar, who have been staying in the national capital this week.

The CM clarified that his primary reason for visiting the national capital was to discuss Mysuru’s Dasara Air Show with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

“My primary work in Delhi was to meet Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh to discuss the Air Show during Dasara in Mysuru. Shri @RahulGandhi has immense affection for the people of Karnataka,” Siddaramaiah posted on X.

“He always remembers how Smt Indira Gandhi and Smt Sonia Gandhi were elected from Karnataka, and how the state has stood by the Congress at every critical juncture.”

The Chief Minister added that the Gandhi family, including Rahul, remains “deeply indebted” to the people of Karnataka, while AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge is “a proud Kannadiga.”

Earlier, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya alleged that Siddaramaiah was denied an appointment by Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Delhi and had to return without meeting him.

“Humiliation in Delhi for Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah! He travelled all the way to the capital, only to be denied an appointment by Rahul Gandhi – and has now returned without even a meeting,” Malviya said on X.

“This isn't the first time a Gandhi has insulted a senior leader from Karnataka. History remembers how Rajiv Gandhi unceremoniously sacked an ailing Veerendra Patil, triggering the Congress's downfall in the state. Now, a weakened Siddaramaiah is forced to hide behind the very man plotting against him--DK Shivakumar, who is eagerly waiting to take his chair. The Congress, and the Gandhis in particular, have always treated Kannadigas with disdain. This is just the latest example,” he added.

In response, Siddaramaiah launched a counterattack, accusing the BJP of betraying the interests of Karnataka, especially on financial matters.

“While Shri Rahul Gandhi remains committed to bringing positive, transformative change in Karnataka, the @BJP4India has betrayed Kannadigas by denying the funds we rightfully deserve. Even when Karnataka suffered devastating floods, Prime Minister @narendramodi did not utter a word,” he said.

The CM also accused Karnataka BJP MPs of failing to stand up to the Prime Minister.

“@BJP4Karnataka MPs do not have the spine to stand up to Narendra Modi for the rights of Kannadigas. For Modi, Karnataka exists only during elections; for Congress, Karnataka’s welfare is a daily commitment,” he said.