Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 12 (Agencies): Amid the internal fights between the Congress and JD(S) coalition partners in the Karnataka government, state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa on Sunday May 12 said that there is currently an 'atmosphere' for his party to form the government in the state.
Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, he said, "Our workers are together and are united. At a time when there is an atmosphere for us to form government, at a time when we are confident of winning both the assembly segments, our workers will not fall prey to any confusion. They (Congress) will fail if they make any attempt."
Yeddyurappa was responding to a question from reporters that Congress leaders were trying to lure local BJP leaders in Kundgol, ahead of the by-polls.
Predicting BJP victory in the Kundgol and Chincholi by-polls, Yeddyurappa said that his party workers are united, unlike the Congress and JD(S) parties. He said that the BJP is confident of winning both the seats by a wide margin.
"No BJP leader from any community has jumped ship, despite the Congress trying to lure them. Congress leaders, whether Venugopal (AICC general secretary) or anyone else, cannot shake the loyalty of any of our workers or leaders," Yeddyurappa said.
He said, "Congress may be under the illusion of doing something with money power, but I am confident we will win this election by earning the affection and trust of people."
In recent days, Yeddyurappa has time and again speculated about the longetivity of the present coalition government, stating that the stability of the government will depend on the 20 'disgruntled' MLAs in the Congress.
He has predicted changes favouring the BJP in the state, saying its tally in the assembly would increase with the win in the by-polls. He has also claimed to have the support of three independent and smaller party legislators.
The Karnataka assembly has 224 members, in which BJP has 104 MLAs, Congress-77, JD(S)-37, BSP 1, independent (1) (both currently supporting the ruling alliance), one KPJP, and the Speaker.
Two seats Chincholi and Kundgol are vacant, for which bypolls will be held on May 19.
There are already discussions within political circles that any adverse results for the ruling coalition in Lok Sabha polls, which they fought in alliance, would have implications on the state government.
Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and JD(S) leaders are upset over some Congress legislators, including ministers, clamouring for CLP leader Siddaramaiah to become chief minister again.