Thu Feb 12 04:17:16 UTC 2026: # Karnataka Congress MLAs Embark on Controversial Australia-New Zealand Tour Amid Leadership Tussle

The Story:
Amidst growing internal strife and speculation about a possible leadership change within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka, a delegation of a dozen party legislators is scheduled to depart on a two-week tour of Australia and New Zealand, commencing on February 16, 2026, and concluding on March 3, 2026. The tour, led by Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh, involves MLAs largely perceived to be loyalists of current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The trip has sparked questions about its timing and purpose, particularly given the ongoing internal political dynamics.

Key Points:

  • A delegation of 12 Congress MLAs is set to tour Australia and New Zealand from February 16 to March 3, 2026.
  • The delegation is led by Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh.
  • The MLAs are reportedly considered loyalists of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
  • Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated the MLAs are traveling at their own expense and claimed he was unaware of the proposed tour.
  • Legislators include: H.D. Thimmaiah, Hampanagouda Badarli, B. Devendrappa, Yashwanthrayagouda V. Patil, M.B. Nagaraja, J.T. Patil, Allamaprabhu Patil, C. Puttarangashetty, Basanagouda Badal, A.R. Krishnamurthy, Basanagouda Turuvihal, and N.H. Konraddi.

Critical Analysis:
The provided historical context reveals a previous news event from February 8, 2026, with Dinesh Gundu Rao declaring “No rift in Congress, leadership decision lies with high command.” Given this context, the timing of the MLAs’ tour, explicitly framed against the backdrop of a “possible leadership change,” suggests a strategic maneuver. The fact that the MLAs are considered Siddaramaiah loyalists, coupled with Siddaramaiah’s seemingly detached response (“If they go spending their own money, can we say no?”) indicates a calculated effort to either project strength or create a temporary diversion amidst growing internal pressure. The delegation traveling at their own expense may be technically true, but opens up questions about where that money is coming from, if it exists.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tour could be a display of solidarity with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid leadership challenges.
  • The trip is timed to coincide with internal political tensions within the Congress party.
  • Chief Minister Siddaramaiah‘s ambiguous response adds to the speculation surrounding the tour’s purpose.
  • The trip raises questions about the source of funding for the tour, even if it’s ostensibly at the MLAs’ expense.

Impact Analysis:

The incident could have several long-term impacts:
* Increased scrutiny of MLA expenses: The trip may prompt closer examination of the financial activities of Karnataka MLAs and MLCs.
* Escalation of internal Congress tensions: The perception of a power struggle could intensify factionalism within the party.
* Public perception of governance: Such excursions during times of political uncertainty risk damaging the Congress party’s image in the eyes of the public.

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