In a response to chief minister HD Kumaraswamy’s announcement of a Cabinet expansion, Karnataka BJP president BS Yeddyurappa has stated that it would only result in an increase in problems present between ministers of the coalition government
Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP president BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday (June 8) predicted that Congress-JD(S) government's exercise to quell the growing dissent within the coalition through Cabinet expansion on June 12 would only flame rebellion.
Yeddyurappa's statement came after Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy announced that the Cabinet expansion would take place on June 12. This would be the second Cabinet expansion under the coalition government's regime.
"There is information that one or two independent MLAs will be made ministers in the government. If they are made ministers, it will only add fuel to the fire. Those MLAs aspiring for ministerial berths will turn against the government," Yeddyurappa told reporters in Koppal, commenting on the proposed Cabinet expansion.
Kumaraswamy announced the Cabinet expansion in a tweet after her met governor Vajubhai Vala. His announcement came after weeks of consultation with Congress leaders amid worries in the coalition which only compounded after the Lok Sabha poll rout.
The measure is seen as an exercise to douse dissidence among the MLAs of the coalition government, especially among Congress legislators.
As a fallout of the rout of the coalition partners, Congress and JD(S), in the recent Lok Sabha polls, in which both the parties barely survived the Modi wave, getting one seat each, many MLAs grew vocal against the government, threatening its longevity.
The BJP swept the polls, capturing 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka.
Claiming that the government would not continue for long Yeddyurappa alleged the internal fight had brought all development works to a halt.
"If you see their infighting, it gives the impression that they will not remain in power for long. It is hindering development," Yeddyurappa said.
He ruled out the possibility of the BJP forming the government and said the party would continue to remain in the opposition.
The BJP state president further said if the coalition partners fail in their duty, they should resign.
"Let them (coalition partners in government) do some good work. If they cannot do it, let them resign and go," he said.
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