Kumaraswamy: BJP offering Rs. 100cr to poach JD(S) MLAs
Following Congress's claims of BJP trying to poach its MLAs to form the Karnataka government, JD(S) chief ministerial candidate H.D. Kumaraswamy has now alleged that the BJP is offering his legislators Rs. 100cr and cabinet posts to lure them into switching sides. Meanwhile, the Congress has threatened to move the Supreme Court if the Governor Vajubhai Vala invites BJP to form the government.
Kumaraswamy determined not to let BJP take power
"There's a black spot on my father's career because of my decision to go with the BJP in 2004 and 2005. God has given me opportunity to remove this black spot. So I am going with Congress," said Kumaraswamy, hitting out at BJP.
Here's what Kumaraswamy had to say
Speaking at a press conference after being promoted to the JD(S) legislative head at a high-profile party meeting, Kumaraswamy claimed that Rs. 100cr is being offered to each JD(S) MLA and that it was being funded by the BJP's black-money. He further said that if the BJP attempted a reprise of 'Operation Kamal' to reach a majority in the state, there would be consequences.
What is 'Operation Kamal'?
Operation Kamal refers to the 2008 Karnataka assembly polls where the BJP emerged as the single largest party, but fell short of a majority. Having fallen short, the BJP allegedly lured four JD(S) and three Congress MLAs into switching sides, and had formed the government.
BJP and JD(S)-Congress are both awaiting Governor's decision
Both the BJP and JD(S)-Congress alliance have approached Governor Vajubhai Vala for his permission to form the government. However, the BJP, with 104 seats, is short of the 112 seat halfway mark. Being the single largest party, they've been given time to prove their majority. Meanwhile, the JD(S)-Congress post-poll alliance, already hold a clear majority with 116 seats.