Stable govt to be main poll plank for BJP in K'taka: CM

Davangere, Karnataka, Oct 14 (UNI) Providing a stable government in Karnataka will be the main poll plank for the BJP in the byelections due for eight Legislative Assembly seats in the State, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said today.

Speaking to reporters at the helipad here, he expressed confidence of his party winning all the eight seats.

''The byelections, however, will not be a referendum on the BJP Government's rule in the State. We are already in majority with the support of five independents,'' he stated.

The Election Commission, while announcing the dates for Assembly elections in five states, however, said the decision on holding byelections in Karnataka would be taken at a suitable time.

Byelections are due in Karwar, Turuvekere, Hukkeri, Arabhavi, Doddaballapur, Deodurg, Madhugiri and Maddur.

While six legislators belonging to Opposition Janata Dal(S) and the Congress resigned to join the BJP, sitting legislator of Maddur died of illness.

The resignations came in the wake of 'Operation Lotus' launched by the BJP to lure the Opposition legislators after it fell short of three seats for a simple majority in the May elections. The saffron party had won 110 seats in the 224-member house.

''People are in favour of the BJP to provide a stable government and they want us to serve the full five year term.

''The poll alliance now being contemplated by arch foes like the Congress and the Janata Dal(S) in anti democratic,'' he added.

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