Daijiworld Media Network - Dharwad (SP)

Dharwad, May 14: All India Congress Committee general secretary in charge of party affairs in Karnataka, KC Venugopal, predicted that after May 23, as many as 20 BJP legislators will cross over to the Congress by deserting their parent party.

"Since the coalition government was formed in the state, BJP has been creating innumerable problems for chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy. But BJP legislators are aware that in spite of their herculean efforts, their party cannot rise to power. Realizing this, 20 MLAs from that party are eager to join the Congress after the announcement of Lok Sabha election result on May 23," he explained.

Addressing a press conference at Chincholi on Monday May 13, Venugopal said that the coalition government is strong like a rock and that it will complete its full five-year term. He exuded confidence in the party candidates registering thumping victory both in Kundagol land Chincholi by-polls. "In Kundagol, the by-poll was necessitated on account of untimely demise of Shivalli. The person who has now crossed over to the BJP after gaining status, recognition etc from the Congress will be taught a fitting lesson by the voters," he stressed.