Bangalore: JDS Indulging in Horse Trading, says Eshwarappa

Bangalore, Oct 10: State BJP president K S Eshwarappa alleged that former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy was indulging in horse trading through BJP MLA Appachu Ranjan to dislodge the state government.

He also released an audio CD substantiating the allegations. Eshwarappa, who held a meeting with party legislators at a private resort on the outskirts of the city, told presspersons that the CD contained conversation between Ranjan and Kumaraswamy that clearly indicated that the JDS indulging in horse trading by asking the BJP MLAs to vote against the government by offering money.

The State BJP chief alleged that Kumaraswamy had been luring the BJP MLAs by stating that they would offer everything if they abstained themselves during the trust vote. While, Kumaraswamy has been claiming that the JDS would not interfere in the internal affairs of the BJP, his visit it to Goa proves otherwise, he noted.

It is political conspiracy hatched by both Congress and JDS to destabilise the government, he alleged. However, the State BJP chief exuded confidence of the government winning the trust vote.

Meanwhile, Chamaraja MLA H S Shankaralinge Gowda of the BJP on Saturday joined the dissidents again. His volte-face comes within 48 hours after he first sided with the rebels but was persuaded to leave them by party workers, including his councillor-son Nandish Preetham.

With all these not-so-good political developments, Governor H R Bhardwaj has made it clear to politicians that he wants to ensure that democracy, rule of law and the Constitution are upheld in the state. “Any distortion or violation of law and rules of democracy will not go unnoticed.”

Commenting sarcastically on resort politics, the Governor said: “They can afford it, so what can I do? They like resorts more. Whether they go to a resort or a hotel or stay at home, the ugly show of wealth and use of musclemen is not a good sign of democracy. I am making a note of all this.”