Deputy Chief Minister ഡി.കെ. ശിവകുമാര് publicly rejected BJP state president BY Vijayendra’s assertion that 25 Congress MLAs would switch to the BJP if elections were announced, calling the claim unfounded.
ഡി കെ ശിവകുമാര്’s rebuttal to the defection claim
Vijayendra suggested an atmosphere already existed in Karnataka for a mass movement of Congress legislators to the BJP, even without a formal election schedule. ഡി.കെ. ശിവകുമാര് responded with sarcasm, urging the BJP leader to bring the alleged legislators into his party without delay and dismissing any notion of “snatching” them.
Background of the BJP claim
The BJP state president’s statement was made in the context of speculation about a possible early assembly election in Karnataka. He claimed that the party could attract 25 Congress MLAs, including ministers, should the election be called.
Political context and cross‑voting uncertainty
Both parties have faced questions about cross‑voting in recent Rajya Sabha polls, but no concrete evidence has emerged to confirm any legislators voted against their party lines. Shivakumar highlighted that the leaders of the two sides, Kumaraswamy and Vijayendra, have not identified any cross‑voters, noting that their own members supported the Congress in that contest.
What remains unclear
The exact identities of the alleged 25 MLAs have not been disclosed, and no official confirmation exists from either the Congress or the BJP. As a result, the claim remains speculative, and the political narrative continues to be shaped by statements rather than verified moves.
Analysts note that the exchange underscores the heightened tension between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Karnataka, a state that could see a pivotal election soon.
Sources: Manorama Online, Manorama News, Reporter Tv.
