Dispute Erupts in Karnataka over Transfer of Five Public Works Engineers Amidst CM and Deputy CM Rift
Karnataka News: Political tension is rising once again in Karnataka. A serious disagreement has emerged between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the transfer of five senior engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD). This issue has highlighted internal conflicts within the Karnataka Congress government. Let's understand the details of this dispute and the reasons behind the clash between the two leaders.
Growing Tensions within the Karnataka Government
Clashes between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have been observed several times before in the Congress government in Karnataka. Both leaders are b figures within the party and wield considerable influence. However, the recent transfer of PWD engineers has escalated this conflict significantly.
The PWD falls under the Water Resources Ministry, headed by Deputy CM Shivakumar. However, the transfer orders were issued by the Personnel Department, which is under the purview of CM Siddaramaiah. This has led to the current dispute.
The Transfer Issue: What's the Controversy?
Recently, five senior engineers were transferred from the PWD, a move bly opposed by Deputy CM Shivakumar. He claims he received no prior notification about these transfers, despite them concerning his department.
D.K. Shivakumar wrote a formal letter to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, directing the immediate reversal of the transfers. He stated that transfers of personnel in his department cannot be undertaken without his consent.
The Deputy CM's Letter and Arguments
In his letter, the Deputy CM also referenced an agreement reached during the formation of the Congress government. He asserts that this agreement mandates his approval for any appointments or transfers within his department. He accused the government of acting improperly by proceeding without his consent.
Furthermore, he expressed concern that one of the transferred engineers is set to retire later this month, making the transfer even more contentious.
