Daijiworld Media Network - Hubballi

Hubballi, May 18: Adding fuel to the war of words between the coalition partners Congress and the JD(S) ahead of the Lok Sabha election results, JD(S) leader and MLC Basavaraj Horatti has opined that it is better to dissolve the coalition government in Karnataka and face an election than work in a 'suffocating environment'.

Speaking to media channels in Hubballi, he said dissolving the coalition and going for a fresh election would put an end to all confusion.

"History is witness that on three occasions the JD(S) formed a coalition and collapsed because of internal conflicts," he said.

"It is better to continue by adjusting ourselves, or seeking a fresh mandate by dissolving the assembly is also an ideal option," he said. He however stressed that the opinions were personal.

Horatti’s statements come after the recent opinions by different Congress leaders that Siddaramaiah should become the chief minister.

"In the last one year, CM H D Kumaraswamy has given good governance. However, on one end we have the BJP who keep scheming to topple the government, while the coalition partner Congress is not following the coalition dharma," he alleged.

"Statements that Siddaramaiah should become CM create confusion. With the attitude of the BJP and the Congress, a suffocating environment is created. I strongly believe that H D Kumaraswamy should get a free atmosphere to work. The contradicting statements have given people a negative image of the government," he said.

Soon after Horatti voiced his opinion, chief minister Kumaraswamy tried to calm the storm with his tweets. "We are on the verge of formation of a new government at the centre. At this juncture where all efforts are being made to form non-BJP government at the centre, the contradictory statements by leaders of coalition partners Congress-JD(S) may mar such efforts. Hence my humble request to the leaders of both the parties to restrain from making contradictory-controversial statements in public and to support the cause," the CM tweeted.

We are on the verge of formation of a new Government at the centre. At this juncture where all efforts are being made to form non-BJP government at the centre, the contradictory statements by leaders of coalition partners #Congress-#JDS may mar such efforts.

— H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) May 18, 2019

Hence my humble request to the leaders of both the parties to restrain from making contradictory- controversial statements in public and to support the cause.

— H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) May 18, 2019

The turbulence between the coalition partners just before that declaration of Lok Sabha results on May 23 has given rise to speculations. It is believed that the Lok Sabha results will be a deciding factor of the longevity of the Kumaraswamy-led government.