BJP ropes in two more JD(S) legislators through its Operation Lotus'

Bangalore, Aug 18 (UNI) Operation Lotus' launched by ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka delivered another blow to its former ally JD(S) by netting two more legislators into its fold getting their resignation to the Karnataka Assembly here today.

Former Minister Umesh Katti and Gourishankar, son of former Minister and JD(S) leader C Chanigappa, tendered their resignation to their Assembly seat and announced their decision to joi BJP.

While Mr Katti defencing his decision to desert JD(S) said that he was frustrated over family centric politics adopted by former Prime Minister and JD(S) National President H D Deve Gowda and his sons and hence he joined the ruling BJP. Another JD(S) legislator Mr Gourishankar said that he joined BJP in the interest of the development of his constituency.

Replying to a question whether his action was not a opportunistic politics, Mr Gourishankar said that "It is not so, it was done in the interests of the people. I have joined BJP without any condition and I am not aspiring for any power in the party." Mr Katti was elected to the Legislative Assembly from Hukkeri seat, while Mr Gourishankar was elected from Madhugiri in the elections held in May this year.

Both have submitted their resignations to Speaker Jagadish Shettar.

With this Seven sitting legislators, including three from Congress, who quit their assembly seat and joined the BJP.

Both the resignations of Umesh Katti and Gaurishankar to the assembly has bene accpted by the Karantaka assembly speaker Jagadish Shettar.

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