Karnataka crisis: Rebel BJP MLAs firm day before majority vote

CHENNAI: There was no relief for Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on the eve of a crucial trial of strength in assembly tomorrow, with dissident MLAs holding their ground and rallying behind JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy who vowed to oust the BJP government.

"We are all united. Now the Karnataka political situation is totally under control. To change the corrupt government, all the MLAs are united," said Kumaraswamy who arrived here late last night along with 11 dissident Karnataka BJP MLAs from Goa.

Sacked Fisheris Minister Anand Asnotikar claimed that the dissident MLAs were all "united" and alleged that the BJP workers had attacked their vehicles in very state they went after raising the banner of revolt against Yeddyurappa.

"BJP activists are indulging in goondaism. In Mumbai, hundreds of vehicles attacked us. Similarly in Kochi and Goa. We are not under any binding. We are all united for the sake of state of Karnataka," he said.

BJP's efforts to win dissidents over failed yesterday as high drama in Goa marked rival JD(S)' attempts to woo them to its side. BJP alleged that 12 of its MLAs were "forcibly" taken to an unknown destination by Kumaraswamy, local Congress leaders and plainclothes policemen from a hotel in Goa.

Revenue Minister Renukacharya, who originally led the dissidents and is now back in Yeddyurappa's camp, said in Panaji that "they (the dissidents) have struck a secret understanding with the JD(S)" and have cheated the people of their constituencies by taking "huge amounts" to go with the Opposition.

Asnotikar, however, dismissed BJP charge that the rebels MLAs had been kidnapped.

JD(S) leader and Lok Sabha member N Cheluvarayaswamy had told reporters at Goa airport: "We will win ( Yeddyurappa government would lose trust vote). They (the dissidents) Congress and we (JDS) have the required numbers (to form the government).

BJP needs 113 MLAs to win the trial of strength in the 224-member Karnataka Assembly. It had the support of 122 MLAs (including 5 Independents), till 14 party MLAs and five Independent legislators rebelled last week.