BSY defends luring opposition party legislators

Bangalore, Aug 21: Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Thursday, Aug 21 said luring opposition party legislators to Bharatiya Janata Party was intended to fulfil the peoples' aspiration to complete the full five-year term in the state.

Speaking to newspersons here, he said ''the Legislators, who joined the party recently have done so by resigning the MLA post and the party from which they got elected.

I don't think anything wrong in it. It was an important development in Indian democracy happening for the first time,'' he said.

Replying to a question, he said both Congress and Janata Dal (Secular), who were now criticising the 'Operation Kamal' (lotus) have no moral ground to fault the BJP as both the parties in the past had tried to woo the BJP legislators and MPs.

''Operation Kamal'' was launched as per people's verdict given to BJP to complete the full term. Unfortunately we did not get absolute majority and had to seek the support of Independent legislatures to form the government and now when the opposition party legislators are willing to join the party, why should it be criticised.

It is bounden duty of the ruling party to honour those who join'', he added.

On the question of cabinet reshuffle, Mr Yeddyurappa said a final decision on it would be taken in a couple of days.

''I have asked some of the party Ministers to resign and accommodate the new comers, which was well taken by the cabinet colleagues without any murmur or disappointment,'' Mr Yeddyurappa said.

Through 'Operation Kamal,' the BJP has so far succeeded in luring seven legislators, including four from JD(S) and three from Congress.

UNI