Mon Jun 23 09:31:36 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A BJP MP, Jagadish Shettar, claims that the Congress government in Karnataka is on the verge of collapse due to internal discontent among MLAs, including Raju Kage, who are reportedly considering joining the BJP. Shettar denies any orchestrated “Operation Lotus” to induce defections. Rajya Sabha member Eeranna Kadadi suggests that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should resign due to alleged financial mismanagement hindering development projects. MLA Abhay Patil alleges that Kage’s claims of stalled development work stem from either bogus letters of grant issued by the CM or Kage’s failure to bribe officials to facilitate project approvals.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Congress Government Faces Uncertainty as BJP Claims Imminent Collapse**

**Belagavi, June 23, 2025:** The stability of the Congress government in Karnataka is being questioned following claims by BJP MP Jagadish Shettar that the government is on the verge of collapse. According to Shettar, several Congress MLAs, including Kagwad MLA Raju Kage, are dissatisfied with the government’s performance and are considering defecting to the BJP.

“The government will not stay for long. It will fall, as Congress MLAs are upset with their party’s government,” Shettar told reporters today. He further clarified that the BJP is not actively pursuing defections through an “Operation Lotus”-style initiative, but rather the MLAs are volunteering to switch parties.

The allegations stem from statements made by MLA Raju Kage, who expressed frustration over the slow pace of development work in his constituency, hinting at a possible resignation.

Adding to the pressure, Rajya Sabha member Eeranna Kadadi has called for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resign, accusing the government of being financially bankrupt and unable to fund development projects. “CM Siddaramaiah should resign, rather than lead a pauper government,” Kadadi stated. He also indicated he would welcome Kage’s return to the BJP fold.

MLA Abhay Patil offered a different perspective, suggesting that Kage’s complaints are either due to the CM issuing false promises of grants or Kage’s refusal to engage in corrupt practices to expedite project approvals.

The political turmoil raises serious questions about the future of the Karnataka government and whether it can withstand the growing pressure from within and outside its ranks. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days.

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