Soon after the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the BJP would have to prove its numbers in a floor test to be held at 4 pm on Sunday, the Congress in Karnataka lashed out at the BJP.
Even though the post-poll alliance between the Congress and JD(S) claims to have 117 MLAs on its side, BJP’s BS Yeddyurappa was sworn in as Chief Minister on Thursday.
Former CM Siddaramaiah called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah 'remnants of Hitler'.
“Amit Shah and Modi are remnants of Hitler. They do not have respect for the Constitution or democracy. It is a murder of democracy and a clear violation of the Constitution. That's why SC has said this. Never in the past has 15 days been given to prove majority,” Siddaramaiah said, referring to the time given by Governor Vajubhai Vala to Yeddyurappa to prove majority.
The Supreme Court earlier in the day had said that the BJP would have now to prove its majority on Saturday at 4pm.
He also pointed out that BS Yeddyurappa had requested just one week to prove majority, and alleged that the governor granted the party 15 days after colluding with PM Modi and Shah.
“This clearly shows Governor of Karnataka is colluding with the BJP. It is an unconstitutional, undemocratic act by Vala,” the former CM added.
“This is Modi and Shah, who have spoken about this and given … An extra week for horse trading. We know who has spoken to whom. Who Reddy has spoken to. Who Sriramulu has spoken to,” Siddaramaiah continued, in the press meet held at the Karnataka Congress headquarters.
When asked about the Congress holding their flock together, Siddaramaiah said, “All 78 MLAs are with us. All Independents and JDS MLAs are with us.”
On the issue of Congress MLA-elect Anand Singh, who has been missing in action since May 15, the day of the results, Siddaramaiah alleged that he has been “kidnapped” by the Centre.
“Anand Singh is in the captivity of Government of India. Anand Singh is abducted by BJP, using the ED and Income Tax Department. But he is in touch with us. Who is doing horse trading? Who has kidnapped him? Isn't it BJP? Yes. The Government of India is holding someone captive. This is what the BJP is doing shamelessly,” Siddaramaiah said.
Anand Singh, who had joined the Congress only in February, is touted to be first Congress MLA to jump ship. He is also involved in the Ballari illegal mining scam and is understood to have close relations with the Reddy clan whose influence is growing in the BJP with every passing day.
The development in the Supreme Court has been celebrated by the Congress as a “vindication”.
“‘Today’s Supreme Court order vindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally. The BJP’s bluff that it will form the Govt., even without the numbers, has been called out by the court. Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate,” party president Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
Today’s Supreme Court order, vindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 18, 2018
The BJP’s bluff that it will form the Govt., even without the numbers, has been called out by the court.
Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate.