Congress protests alleged horse-trading by BJP in Karnataka, turmoil continues

Bangalore, Oct.22 (ANI): Congress party workers on Friday protested against the alleged horse-trading indulged by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bangalore.

"We protest against the horse-trading indulged by the BJP party to save their chair in the State of Karnataka," said Roshan Baig, a legislator and senior leader of the Congress party.

On Thursday, the Janata Dal (Secular) released two video footages to substantiate their allegation that the BJP was luring its legislators by offering huge sums and ministerial berths.

The JD(S) leader, H. D. Kumaraswamy, released a compact disc, alleging that his party's legislator, S. R. Sriniwas, was offered rupees 300 to 500 million by BJP legislators to resign from the State Assembly.

Demanding the imposition of President's rule in the State, Baig said the incumbent government has failed and is not functioning properly.

"The government is not functioning; the administration has come to a standstill. We have gathered here to protest against the misrule of the BJP government, and we are appealing to the government of India to impose President's rule in the State of Karnataka," said Baig.

The State has been in a political confusion since the 29-month-old BJP government in the province was reduced to a minority of 103 members in the 225-member assembly after 19 deputies, including five Independents, withdrew their support on October 6 this year, to protest against the reshuffle in the State cabinet.

Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa won two rounds of trust vote, with 106 legislators in favour while nearly 100 legislators against, after Speaker K. G. Bopaiah disqualified 16 legislators under the provision of anti-defection laws. (ANI)