Karnataka: Four JD(S) rebels resign from party, set to join Congress

Bengaluru: Ahead of assembly polls, the JD(S) today suffered a setback when four of its rebel MLAs resigned from the Karnataka Assembly, a day after cross-voting in favour of Congress’ Rajya Sabha candidates.

B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, R Akhanda Srinivasamurthy, N Chaluvaraya Swamy and Bheema Naik submitted their resignations to Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad at his residence here.

The MLAs are likely to join Congress in a day or two, said sources close to them.

The four MLAs were among the seven who rebelled against their party and been vocal against the party leadership, especially H D Kumaraswamy, JDS state unit chief and son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. Koliwad told reporters he had accepted the resignations because they were in order. “Today Chaluvaraya Swamy, B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, R Akhanda Srinivasamurthy and Bheema Naik have resigned from the legislative assembly. When I asked them personally, they said they resigned on their own without political pressure or any duress. I have accepted their resignations,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after resigning, Khan said he decided to walk out of JD(S) because it has become “a party of one-upmanship.”

“H D Kumaraswamy does not listen to anyone. He does not bother to consult his father and former Prime Minister H D Devegowda and elder brother H D Revanna. Will he listen to us?” said Khan.

The votes cast by seven JDS rebel MLAs in the Rajya Sabha biennial election yesterday and also support of independents had helped the ruling Congress win the third seat as a bonus, though it had strength only to bag two seats for sure.

Despite the shortfall in its strength with 37 members, including seven rebels, as against the required 44 votes, JDS had also fielded its candidate but boycotted the poll midway alleging electoral malpractice by the Congress in “collusion” with the returning officer.