Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Sep 23: Even before the Congress could heave a sigh of relief of the issue of revolt by the Jarakiholi brothers dying down, they are facing anxious moments as rumours are making rounds in the political circles of the capital that 'Operation Kamala' of BJP is still on and they are trying to woo MLAs of Congress and JD (S). Several rumours were making rounds on Saturday, September 22 and hectic activity was noticed in the capital.

Rumours like more than 10 legislators of the Congress party have gone to Mumbai, MTB Nagaraj, Sudhakar and Nagesh will go to Chennai and from there will move to Mumbai, many more MLAs are going to join the faction of the unsatisfied legislators, MLA Anand Singh is already in Mumbai were heard in the party circles. To put oil into the fire, the visuals of MTB Nagaraj, Sudhakar and Nagesh having breakfast together in a hotel were flashed across screens of various media channels. In addition, the news that Anand Singh is on the way to Mumbai and Nagendra is already in Mumbai alerted the Congress leaders, who took steps to take control of their folks.

In a few minutes of all the news making rounds, minister Zameer Ahmed brought MLA Anand Singh to the residence of coordination committee president Siddaramaiah. KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao also rushed to the residence of Siddaramaiah. It is learnt that Siddaramaiah advised Anand Singh and said, "Do not join BJP under any circumstances. There was opposition in the Congress when you intended to join the party. However, we have given you the ticket and made you win the election. Do not be scared by anyone's blackmail tactics. The coalition government and I are with you."

Siddramaiah also assured Anand Singh of offering a suitable position in the Congress party. Siddaramaiah also spoke with MLA Nagendra over the phone and asked him not to take any hasty decision. It is learnt that Siddaramaiah also requested B C Patil, who was going through Haveri road to return back to the capital.

Nagendra who spoke to scribes after returning to the capital said, "I am in Ballary itself. All the MLAs of our district are together. I do not know about the whereabouts of other MLAs."

DCM Dr G Parameshwar arrived at the residence of Siddaramaiah along with MLAs Ganesh and Prasad Abbaiah and had a discussion about the political developments with others.

In the midst of all these developments, chief minister H D Kumaraswamy spoke at a press conference in Chikmagalur and said, "Independent candidate Nagesh is in touch with me. I have advised three others who are with him to go to Mumbai." This statement of Kumaraswamy created further confusion as to who is telling the truth and who is lying.

The elections for the three seats which are vacant in the Upper House will be held on October 4. Congress leaders are tensed for the fact that if the cabinet is extended before this date, there are chances of cross-voting. However, it is said that, under the prevailing circumstances, there are no chances of the cabinet getting extended.

Pressure tactics for ministerial berth?

According to some other sources, Congress MLAs, who are aspirants for the position of ministers, are not happy with delaying tactics of the party leaders in the coalition government and are trying to put pressure on them through these tactics. That is why they are putting pressure on the party leaders about the calls they are getting from the BJP leaders under 'Operation Kamala' and asking them to extend the cabinet as soon as possible.

It is also learnt that if the legislative council elections are over, then the state leaders of Congress might not extend the cabinet giving the lame excuse of 'Pithra Paksha' period. For this reason, also the MLAs who are aspirants for the position of ministers are putting pressure on the leaders.

BJP tactics kept secret

According to BJP sources, 18 MLAs of the ruling coalition party will be given protection under a Maharastra minister and then brought to the capital together on Tuesday, September 25 and will be made to resign. However, the official information as to the exact numbers of the ruling coalition MLAs, who have gone to Mumbai is kept a secret. It is said that out of the 18 MLAs who have agreed for 'Operation Kamala', 10 are assured of ministerial position and others the presidentship of corporate boards.