The coalition government in Karnataka is in a precarious situation and the BJP is gearing up to step in and wean away disgruntled and opportunistic MLAs from the ruling coalition.
Congress rebel MLA from Gokak, Ramesh Jarkiholi held a midnight meeting with Operation Kamala team members – Kalaburgi BJP MP Dr Umesh Jadav and BJP leader from Channapattana, CP Yogeeshwar.
Sources close to MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi say that the leaders discussed two options in the meeting to topple the ruling coalition in the state. The first scenario includes poaching Congress and JD(S) MLAs and giving them incentives to resign.
The second scenario includes poaching MLAs from the ruling coalition and moving a no-confidence motion in the state Assembly.
“They are preparing for both scenarios. Ramesh Jarkiholi and Umesh Jadav have been put in charge of poaching the MLAs and also arranging for a hotel or a resort where the MLAs can be lodged before the trust vote,” the source said.
The Karnataka assembly that has a total strength of 225 MLAs including the Speaker has 105 BJP members. With two independent MLAs in its kitty, the BJP has 107 MLAs and need just 7 MLAs to reach the halfway mark of 113.
BJP insiders say that Ramesh Jarkiholi and Umesh Jadav have recommended booking 30 rooms at a five-star hotel in Goa near Fort Aguada, in case the MLAs have to be shifted at short notice.
Ramesh Jarkiholi has allegedly been in constant touch with Congress MLAs Basanagouda Daddal from Raichur Rural, BC Patil from Hirekerur, Srimanth Gowda Patil from Kagawad in Belagavi, Shivaram Hebbar from Yellapura, Pratapgouda Patil from Maski, JN Ganesh from Kampli and B Nagendra from Ballari, as well as JD(S) MLA from KR Pete, Narayanagowda.
“Yeddyurappa has been advised from making any move until Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony is complete. Besides, Yeddyurappa is also busy negotiating cabinet berths for MPs from Karnataka. Once that is done, Operation Kamala will roll out in Karnataka,” a BJP leader said.
Party insiders say that the BJP high command is leaning towards going for snap polls rather than a no-confidence motion. “Congress will lose many Assembly segments if we go for snap polls. Party seniors say BJP can easily win 130-150 seats. Then we will be able to elect more Rajya Sabha members, especially if we have more MLAs than the ones we have poached,” the source added.