The JDS chief HD Kumaraswamy has sensationally alleged that the BJP, which failed to secure a majority in the just-concluded assembly elections in Karnataka, was attempting to poach his MLAs with Rs 100 crore each.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy said, “JDS MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each. Where is this black money coming from? They are supposedly the servers of poor people and they are offering money today. Where are the income tax officials?”
Lamenting his past decision to side with the BJP, Kumaraswamy said, “I have been offered from both sides. I am not saying this loosely. There’s a black spot on my father’s career because of my decision to go with the BJP in 2004 & 2005. So God has given me opportunity to remove this black spot. So I am going with Congress.”
“BJP’s Ashwamedha Yatra started in North, the horses have been stopped in Karnataka. This verdict is to stop the Ashwamedha Yatra,” he added.
Both the Congress and the JDS had announced a post poll alliance on Tuesday with the former extending its support to the latter in forming the government. On Wednesday, the JDS legislative party elected Kumaraswamy as their leader, paving his way to stake claim for the post of chief minister in the event he’s invited to form the government.
Also alleging poaching were Congress leaders, who said the BJP had offered them ministerial berths to lure them to betray their party. I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we’ll give a ministry to you. We’ll make you a minister. But, I’m going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister, “Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur of the Congress was quoted by ANI.
DK Shivakumar of the Congress said, “They (BJP) are poaching our MLAs, we know that. Everyday there is a lot of pressure. But it not so easy because two parties have the necessary number. People are watching this.”
The Congress, on the other hand, has said that it was preparing to go to Supreme Court if the Governor invited the BJP to form the next government in Karnataka, sources in the party said after BS Yeddyurappa, prospective BJP chief minister, met Vajubhai Vala.
Meanwhile, the JDS has urged the governor to discharge his constitutional obligations by inviting the Congress-JDS alliance to form the government since it has more than the required majority. Danish Ali, a JDS spokesperson, said, “JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy.”