Dharam Singh predicts fall of BJP govt in K'taka

Gulbarga, Aug 28 (UNI) Former Karnataka chief minister N Dharam Singh today predicted that the differences that had erupted between 'mine lords' and Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa would lead to the fall of the BJP government in Karnataka soon.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the Reddy brothers - Janardhan and Karunakara - who were the ministers in the Yeddyurappa ministry, had strongly objected the induction of Mr Umesh Katti into the cabinet.

Despite their objection, the Chief Minister's decision to induct him into the cabinet had further widened the gap between them and the Chief Minister, he added.

''As many as 15 BJP MLAs have approached the Assembly Speaker to submit their resignation to protest the induction of new comers into the cabinet ignoring the senior BJP leaders,'' he said.

It was clearly indicating that an internal political crisis has prevailed within the party, he said, adding, this would lead to the downfall of the government.

Alleging that the Chief Minister and other leaders went to America when the state was reeling under floods and drought conditions, he said this was reflecting their indifferent attitude in attending people's problems.

Meanwhile, talking to newspersons here, KPCC president Mallikharjun Kharge hoped that no Congress MLA would desert the party henceforth.

UNI DP SIV AE AS1732