Union Minister Joshi Alleges “Horse Trading” in K’taka Congress
The political landscape of Karnataka has been witnessing a series of dramatic events in recent times. After a Congress MLA accused the BJP of plotting to topple the state government, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi hit back, leveling serious allegations against the Congress party. Joshi, a senior BJP leader, claimed that it was the Congress itself that was involved in “horse trading” and attempting to buy the support of its own MLAs.
The controversy began when Congress MLA Ramesh Kumar accused the BJP of conspiring to topple the Karnataka government. Kumar alleged that the BJP was trying to poach Congress and JD(S) MLAs to gain a majority in the state assembly. However, Joshi dismissed these allegations, saying that the Congress was the one engaging in “horse trading” to save its government.
“They’re ready to buy MLAs…so there is no chance for us (BJP),” Joshi said, while addressing a press conference. He also targeted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, accusing them of using money power to gain support from other MLAs.
Joshi’s remarks come at a time when the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka is facing increased pressure from the BJP, which is trying to take advantage of the ongoing rift within the coalition. The BJP has been aggressively trying to poach Congress and JD(S) MLAs, and some reports suggest that it has already made significant progress in this regard.
The Congress, on the other hand, has been trying to project an image of unity and stability, despite the tensions within the party. However, Joshi’s allegations have once again brought the party’s internal issues into the spotlight.
The Congress leadership has been trying to downplay the allegations, saying that they are mere BJP propaganda. However, the party’s MLAs are reportedly worried about the situation, with some of them seeking security from the government.
The JD(S) too has been trying to distance itself from the controversy, saying that it will not be swayed by the BJP’s attempts to poach its MLAs. However, the party’s leaders are also keeping a close eye on the developments, aware that the BJP is trying to take advantage of the rift within the coalition.
The political situation in Karnataka has been volatile for some time now, with the Congress-JD(S) coalition struggling to maintain its majority in the state assembly. The BJP, which has been trying to capitalize on the situation, has been aggressively campaigning against the government, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement.
The union minister’s allegations have added to the tension in the state, with both the Congress and BJP trying to outdo each other in the political battleground. The situation is likely to remain volatile in the coming days, with both parties trying to gain an upper hand.
The controversy has also raised questions about the future of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka. While the government has been trying to project an image of unity and stability, the allegations of “horse trading” have once again brought its internal issues into the spotlight.
In the midst of all this, the people of Karnataka are likely to be watching the developments with great interest. The state has been witnessing a series of political dramas in recent times, and the latest controversy is likely to add to the volatility.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/6f41027f-22f4-402b-a7d3-bc31132000c7
