Congress MLA offered huge sum by BJP to change loyalties - HDK

Bengaluru: In a startling revelation, Karnataka chief minister (CM), H D Kumaraswamy (HDK) claimed that a BJP leader had contacted a Congress MLA, offering him a huge ‘gift’ for crossing over to the saffron party on Wednesday. This incident clearly shows that BJP is continuing with its efforts to topple the coalition government in the state through Operation Lotus, said the CM speaking to reporters at the Vidhana Soudha after meeting Governor, Vajubhai Vala, on Friday January 25 morning.

The CM claimed that the Congress leader rejected the ‘gift offer’ and advised the caller to let him be on his own before cutting the call.  The call made by the BJP leader is evidence to that party’s continued effort to wrest power by offering bribes, observed Kurmarswamy.

“You will be surprised if you find out the astronomical amount of bribe offered to the Congress MLA. The caller also asked the destination where the ‘gift’ has to be delivered. It will also surprise you if I reveal the source from where this money comes,” the CM stated.

However, Kumaraswamy did not reveal the identity of the caller, or the Congress MLA and the amount offered or the type of gift offered and other details. Wait and watch to get more details, he advised the reporters.

Apparently, the governor had asked the CM to visit him and give details regarding the resort politics, fight between Congress legislators and other issues. Kumaraswamy reportedly explained to the governor that the efforts made by BJP to destabilise the government had forced the MLA’s to be taken to a resort.

Kumaraswamy informed the Governor that the 2 MLA’s in Mumbai, who are reportedly in touch with BJP have not yet appeared before the public so far and that the fight two Congress leaders at the resort was personal matter and legal steps are being taken.

According to sources, the CM informed the governor that three teams have been formed for the arrest of the legislator accused of the attack and they also discussed the issue of convening joint session of the legislature and nominating Tippeswamy to the legislative council.