Daijiworld Media network - Vijayapura (MS)

Vijayapura, Feb 17: State BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel on Wednesday February 17 claimed that 20 MLAs of opposition Congress and JD(S) are in touch with BJP and are likely to join the saffron party soon.

Speaking to reporters here, Nalin Kateel said, "MLAs of Congress and JD(S) are in distress and they are in touch with us. But we do not have any necessity for them now. They are pleading with us to let them join BJP. We are not in need of MLAs from opposition now. We will not take them into BJP during elections also."

He further said, "By-elections for three legislative constituencies and one assembly constituency will be held in the state soon. The high command will select the suitable candidates at the right time."

On BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal's repeated tirades against chief minister Yediyurappa, he said, "BJP disciplinary committee has sent notice to BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal. Let him answer the same. I will not respond to the issues Yatnal has spoken about. Persons concerned will respond to his allegations. Yatnal feels that workers of the party are not given suitable positions in corporations and boards."

On Yatnal's allegation that Yediyurappa's son Vijayendra was unnecessarily interfering in government matters, he said, "Vijayendra is doing what he is supposed to do as the state vice-president of the party. Government has not given him any work. The party has given him the responsibility of organizing the party seeing his capability. He is just carrying out the same."