"20-25 BJP, JD(S) MLAs to join Congress" : Karnataka Congress Minister MB Patil
Bengaluru: Hinting at a big shift in the political landscape of Karnataka, Congress minister MB Patil suggested that soon around 10 MLAs of Janata Dal Secular and 25 BJP MLAs will be joining the Congress.
Hitting out at the BJP, Patil said that the BJP cannot even poach five MLAs of the Congress in Karnataka.
Congress Minister MB Patil's statement stirred up political discussion in the state. Patil's remark came on the heels of several Congress leaders claims that many JD(S) MLAs were willing to switch over to the grand old party.
Patil also took a jibe at former Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy's statement of offering support of "19 JD(S) MLAs to DK Shivakumar", and termed it a "dramatic statement" and accused him of attempting to create confusion among the political ranks.
Patil highlighted that there is no confusion within the Congress party, as even five of their MLAs did not align themselves with Kumaraswamy.
Furthermore, Patil claimed that around 20-25 MLAs from the opposition party are expected to join Congress, indicating a significant shift in the political landscape. He also questioned the feasibility of buying 65-70 MLAs, suggesting that if the BJP attempts to poach one of their members, 25 MLAs would switch allegiances.
MB Patil expressed confidence that the number of MLAs in their party will increase, projecting a total of 150-160 MLAs. He took a dig at the BJP, referring to a "drought" within their ranks, and questioned the competency of BJP members to become effective opposition leaders.
Amid reports of factionalism in the ruling Congress and a tussle for the CM's post between the incumbent Siddarammaiah and his deputy DK Shivkumar, former chief minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy took a jibe at Shivkumar on Saturday, saying if he wants to ascend, he was ready and willing to assure the support of "19 JD(S) MLAs".
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Saturday, the JD(S) leader, said, "If Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wants to be CM, he can count on the support of our 19 MLAs."
Hitting back at Kumaraswamy, DK Shivakumar said that he is not in a rush to assume the post.
"We contested (the state) elections under collective leadership. We have to give good governance. I'm not in a hurry (to become CM). I have not demanded this from anyone, not even from the party leadership..." Shivakumar said.
