MLAs switching parties should be banned from contesting polls: Abdullah
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said MLAs who switch parties should be banned from contesting elections for one term in order to prevent horse-trading in the event of a hung house. Abdullah was referring to the post-poll situation in Karnataka where the BJP, Congress, and Congress have staked claim to form the government despite being short of simple majority.
National Conference chief defends Congress's tactics
"Simply disqualifying defecting MLAs isn't enough to stop horse-trading since most of them come back with a mandate of their newly-discovered party. They should be barred from fighting elections for a period of not less than one term," Abdullah tweeted. The National Conference leader defended Congress's tactics in Karnataka, reminding the critics about the role played by BJP in Goa and Manipur last year.
What's sauce for goose must be sauce for gander
"Whether the Congress manages to form a government by supporting JD(S) or not, they shouldn't be criticized for trying. The BJP would be doing exactly the same thing if the positions were reversed," Abdullah said. "What about the other states where the BJP sneaked in through the back door? What's sauce for the goose must be sauce for the gander," the ex-CM added.
