Karnataka BJP camp to teach discipline to MLAs, MPs

Bangalore, June 17: Haunted by series of revolts by its MLAs against its own Government in the last three years, the ruling BJP in Karnataka has decided to hold a camp for its elected representatives to "impart lessons" on discipline, party policies and other issues.

The three-day camp had been planned in the city during the third week of next month, BJP's state unit President K S Eshwarappa told reporters here today (June 17).

Besides the MLAs, MLCs, MPs and Zilla Panchayat elected members would also attend the camp, he said.

BJP's first ever government in the south led by B S Yeddyurappa had faced four trust votes in the assembly after revolts by section of its MLAs and ministers since May 2008.

Eshwarappa evaded reply to a query whether the 121 BJP MLAs would be assured of tickets for the next election, but hastened to add: "Their behaviour also counts. We had problems like our own people going to resorts in Chennai and Goa. But some of them have decided to reform accepting their mistakes".

Taking a jibe at "Congress nadige, Janara Balige" (Congress's campaign to connect with people), he said he was happy that at last after three years, the opposition party had decided to go to people.

Congress and JDS cannot return to power and should learn to function as a responsible opposition, he asserted charging them with levelling baseless charges against the government.

Hitting out at JDS chief H D Devegowda for his agitation against acquisition of land for development and industrial purposes, he asked: "Will Gowda build an airport in the sky?. JDS is anti-development," he charged.

On allegations made by Gowda's son H D Kumaraswamy, Eshwarappa said: "He has been lobbing bombs after bombs at the BJP Government and Yeddyurappa. But all of them have turned a dud. Let Lokayukta, probing his allegations, come out with its findings. We will wait for it", he said.

He however, refused to react to the claim by Kumaraswamy that Yeddyurappa tried to buy peace with him offerring money and other help.

PTI