Defectors should be Debarred from Contesting for Six Years: BJP

Mysore, Nov 3 (PTI): Smarting under the recent rebellion that threatened the survival of its government, ruling BJP in Karnataka on Wednesday pitched for barring ''defectors'' from contesting elections for six years.

The meeting of the executive of the state party unit here called for suitable amendments to the anti-defection law in this regard, party spokesman C T Ravi told reporters.

The meeting said the Karnataka High Court verdict upholding Speaker K G Bopaiah's disqualification of 11 BJP rebel MLAs would be a deterrent to party hoppers.

The meeting condemned JD(S) and Congress for their alleged "one point agenda of destabilising and dethroning" the duly- elected BJP Government.

Inaugurating the meeting, state unit President K S Eswarappa said the party would not compromise with those indulging in anti-party activities.

Referring to "open lobbying and pressure" by some party MLAs for cabinet berths, he said all MLAs cannot be made ministers. "Those who are threatening to leave the party on this score can do so".

He appealed to party MLAs not be self-centred and have the best interest of the people at heart.

The B S Yeddyurappa Ministry, the first BJP government in the South, had faced two floor tests in the Assembly last month after 16 MLAs, including five independents, withdrew their support to it. They were later disqualified as MLAs by the Speaker.