BJP has nothing to do with Congress-JDS MLAs' resignation: BS Yeddyurappa

Former chief minister and BJP’s Karnataka unit chief BS Yeddyurappa Tuesday said that his party has nothing to do with Congress-JDS MLAs’ resignation. He also hit out at the coalition government saying that it was a ploy to hide "differences" within the ruling party.

“Me and my party have nothing to do with developments in other rival parties. I heard through media that Congress-JDS legislators have resigned from their Karnataka Assembly seats. I'm categorically reiterating that BJP has absolutely no say on the issue,” Yeddyurappa was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Yeddyurappa also said the BJP has no plans yet to move a no-confidence motion in the Monsoon Session of the state assembly commencing July 12, however, they will explore constitutional provisions to form next government.

“We are closely watching political developments in Karnataka. One thing I can say is that people are not ready for elections. Elections are a burden on state exchequer. If situation arises we'll definitely explore constitutional provisions to form next government,” he said.        

"We never said we will carry out any 'operation' against the Congress or the JDS. We had said some disgruntled (MLAs) may come out," he added.

On Congress leaders threatening a "reverse operation" against the BJP, he said they had been saying this for the last three months and dared them to carry it out.

"Let them do it...have we said don't do it? They have been saying this for the last three months, none of us will move. We are all together, 105 BJP MLAs are united," Yeddyurappa said.

Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Ramesh Jarkiholi sent their resignations to the assembly speaker Monday, dealing a blow to the 13-month old HD Kumaraswamy government, which has been battling dissidence.

Rao had accused the BJP of misusing power and using central agencies to "pressure and blackmail" MLAs in a bid to destabilise the government.

He had said Congress too had the ability to conduct a "reverse operation" but had not done it.

"We will not sit silently. If they are involved in such a thing, we also have the opportunity to hit back. We are quite because we don't want that kind of politics. If they continue, we will respond in the way we want," Rao had said.

Replying to a question, Yeddyurappa denied being in contact with any disgruntled legislators of the Congress or the JDS.

There is apprehension in the ruling coalition that a few more MLAs, suspected to be in touch with the BJP, may resign. Asked whether the BJP had a plan to move a no confidence motion against the government in the state assembly, Yeddyurappa there was no such plan yet.

"There is no question of it. Our legislature party is yet to meet. Based on the political situation we will take a decision," he said.

Reacting to the developments, Yeddyurappa had Monday said they only proved there was "large scale unease" in the ruling coalition and the government would collapse under its own weight.

With PTI Inputs