Bengaluru, 28 Nov

BJP President BY Vijayendra on Friday said it would not be surprising if the Karnataka Congress splits into two factions.

While Vijayendra stated that the BJP has nothing to do with the "internal bickering" within the ruling Congress, he added, the State administration is being affected.

Vijayendra said, “Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar should resolve the issues before the Winter Session starts, as there are demands from the farmers who are expecting compensation. DK Shivakumar is posing aggressively. I will not be surprised if a vertical split occurs within Congress,"

He asked the Congress to resolve its issues before the upcoming Winter Session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, which will begin on 8 December.

Meanwhile, former minister and BJP MLC  AH Vishwanath on Friday challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to swear before Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hills that no power sharing pact was discussed before his High Command.

Vishwanath said that this would firmly end the power tussle before Siddaramaiah and his Deputy DK Shivakumar.

Addressing press in Mysuru on Friday, he asked the CM to walk the talk.

Vishwanath also voiced concern about the power tussle taking a caste colour. Seers from the Vokkaliga community have batted for Shivakumar while Kuruba pontiffs have pledged allegiance to Siddaramaiah.

“This is more dangerous than political clashes,” Vishwanath said.  “Shivakumar is a hardcore Congress leader, unlike Siddaramiah who embraced Congress after his expulsion from JD(S).”