Bengaluru: Blaming Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for two of Congress MLA’s tendering their resignation, CLP leader Siddaramaiah said it was BJPs conspiracy to topple the coalition government in Karnataka. He charged that BJP was thirsty for power and was trying to lure Congress MLAs by offering money.
After two of its MLAs Anand Singh and Ramesh Jarkiholi tendered their resignations, news of a few more MLAs who were allegedly in touch with the BJP may follow suit made the rounds. Following this Siddaramaiah made attempts to reach out to the disgruntled legislators to convince them, said a media report.
However, JDS leader and Higher Education Minister G T Devegowda brushed aside Siddaramaiah’s claims by saying that Modi and Shah were not involved in State politics as they were were busy with national issues such as Kashmir, deals with America and China, and farmer-friendly budget.
On the other hand, JD(S) leader and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Monday accused BJP of day dreaming of destabilising his government.
Meanwhile, Rejecting Congress’s charge that the BJP was behind the resignation of its two MLAs, the party’s Karnataka unit chief B S Yeddyurappa said it was a ploy to hide “differences” within the ruling party. On threats by several Congress leaders, including Minister R B Timmapur, of a reverse operation against the BJP, he said they had been saying this for the last three months and dared them to carry it out. “We are all together, 105 BJP MLAs are united,” he said adding none can be lured. Congress is keen to diffuse the situation quickly as any more resignation by disgruntled MLAs from the ruling coalition will trigger a number game in the assembly.
The coalition’s strength in the 224-member assembly stands at 118, besides the Speaker: Congress – 78, JD(S) – 37, BSP – 1 and Independents – 2. The strength will come down to 116 if the resignation of two MLAs is accepted.
Reacting to the new development, Minister D K Shivakumar assured the government will complete its full term and there was no need for panic. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara blamed the BJP and said a cabinet sub-committee has been formed to look into the issue of land to JSW Steel as flagged by Anand Singh.
Ramesh Jarkiholi had Monday told a local TV channel that he had sent his resignation letter through fax and would personally give it to the Speaker on Tuesday. Reacting to this, Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar while speaking to reporters said while Anand Singh’s resignation has been received, Jarkiholi had neither met him nor spoken to him about his resignation. He further condemned Jarikholi for sending the resignation letter through fax.