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Bangalore, Aug 21: The Congress has accused Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa of ‘blackmailing’ Opposition MLAs to quit their parties to join the BJP.
At a press conference here on Tuesday, KPCC president and Opposition leader in the Legislative Assembly Mallikarjuna Kharge, told reporters that the Chief Minister was indulging in blackmail tactics to consolidate his position.
He even alleged that Yeddyurappa was threatening not to sanction funds for development works in constituencies represented by Opposition MLAs unless they joined the BJP.
"Two MLAs who quit the JD(S) on Monday have openly stated that they are joining the BJP to ensure development of their constituencies. What does this mean? Will the government not develop constituencies represented by Opposition members?" he asked.
He cited the example of the release of Rs 7.5 crore to the constituency of an MLA who had resigned on Monday. Kharge termed the BJP’s move to threaten Opposition MLAs ‘undemocratic’ and said people would revolt against such corrupt practices.
Asked what he had to say on the similar tactics adopted by former chief minister S M Krishna, Kharge said: "It was not aimed at consolidating our government. Those who deserted their parties were fed up with their leadership."
"Only 80 lakh people voted for the BJP, whereas the JD(S) and the Congress had 1.8 crore votes. People would revolt against such discrimination if the government continues to neglect development works in constituencies represented by Opposition members," he stated.
Referring to the controversy over transfer of Mahabaleshwara temple at Gokarna to Shimoga-based Ramachandrapura mutt, Kharge questioned the rationale behind the move to hand over the temple by the Muzrai department.
"Since the government has given one temple to a private organisation, it was but natural that others too would make similar demands," he said on former scion of Mysore Narasimharaja Srikanta Datta Wodeyar demanding returning of Chamundeshwari and other temples earlier owned by the royal family.