Though many ministers said they were confident of the stability of the Karnataka government, just after the Congress Legislature Party meeting, their MLAs left for a resort again
Bengaluru: Just when the sea of politics seemed to calm down, the ‘Operation Lotus’ tide rose again. A host of Congress legislators gathered today after a strict warning was issued through a letter by legislature party leader Siddaramaiah, who made the meeting mandatory. After the meeting, Siddaramaiah confirmed that the Congress MLAs would be heading to Eagleton resort and Wonderla resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Speaking to media, he said that the Congress leaders are heading to the resort to prevent any attempts by the BJP to poach their MLAs.
Though many ministers expressed confidently that the government is stable, their actions seems to suggest otherwise. The meeting was primarily held to discuss and address the concerns of the disgruntled members. Of the 80, 75 MLAs were present. One of them, Umesh Jadhav, wrote to Siddaramaiah claiming he wouldn't be able to attend the meet due to ill-health. The rest are the dissident leaders, who haven't come back into the fold including Ramesh Jarkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli.
The fear of the Congress is evident, despite claims by the BJP stating that there is no such ‘Operation’ underway. While on one hand it seems like a circumspect approach by the Congress, there seems to be enough to suggest that there is something afoot. Some of the Congress ministers said that BJP will be at it.
Just before the commencement of the meeting, the minister for water resources responded to questions on resort politics by saying, “I know how to play this game of chess.” Unbeknownst to anyone that the minister had in his mind a plan for the next few hours.
Two buses were arranged to transport all 75 MLAs, who attended the Congress Legislature Party meet. While one team will be transported to Eagleton resort, the other will be transported to Wonderla resort
Siddaramaiah has said that the MLAs will stay put in these resorts for an indefinite period of time.
Reacting to this retreat, Karanataka BJP president BS Yeddyurappa said nonchalantly, “If they want to go to the resort, let them go. I will take my MLAs to drought-hit districts.”
Seems to be the Karnataka BJP fold is set to go about implementing its strategy for the Lok Sabha elections while the Congress continues its battle in keeping the government intact.
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