Salim Ahmed says CM–DyCM unity meet leaves BJP-JD(S) without agenda
New Delhi: The much-discussed breakfast meeting between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has effectively silenced the opposition’s narrative of a power struggle within the Congress, senior MLC Salim Ahmed said on Saturday.
Speaking to the media in Delhi, he asserted that minor differences in a large party like the Congress are natural, but the organisation remains firmly united and will “never face a split”, as alleged by BJP and JD(S).
For nearly a month, the opposition had repeatedly claimed that a rift in the power-sharing arrangement had created tension between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
The sight of the two leaders sharing breakfast in Bengaluru, however, has sent a strong political message, Ahmed said. “The BJP and JD(S) were spreading imaginary stories. Today’s meeting is a slap in the face for them. If they still have doubts, we will respond on the floor of the House during the session,” he added.
Ahmed accused the BJP of attempting to manufacture controversies and destabilise the government. “They are trying to find stones in curd. Instead of focusing on issues affecting the people, they are invested in creating confusion,” he remarked.
Taking a direct swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ahmed said the BJP functions in an authoritarian manner. “Modi operates like Hitler. There is no democratic system in the BJP. Their MLAs cannot question, they cannot voice their opinion. In the Congress, our MLAs come to Delhi to meet AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, general secretary K.C. Venugopal and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. That is the difference,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the party’s future, Ahmed said Congress will return to power in 2028 with a stronger mandate. “The opposition may continue to mislead, but the people of Karnataka can clearly see who stands united and who is desperate,” he added.
