Bengaluru: It appears it is not only BJP legislator Lehar Singh, who is unhappy with the party’s state leadership for dragging Prime Minister Narendra Modi into the ongoing crisis in Karnataka, but a number of party workers too, who believe the attempt to destabilise the Kumaraswamy government has dented the party’s image. Says a senior BJP functionary, “We are worried about these developments. Why don’t the Sangh Parivar and senior leaders intervene in the matter ? When the party has to get prepare for the Lok Sabha elections, these developments are disturbing.”
Despite these rumblings of discontent in the party, state BJP chief, BS Yeddyurappa has reportedly deputed senior leaders, B. Sriramulu, Umesh Katti, R. Ashok, C.P. Yogeshwar and Dr Ashwathnarayana to woo Congress and JDS MLAs. Interestingly, they have been asked to approach MLAs from different communities, according to sources. While Mr Yogeshwar and Mr Ashwathnarayana have been told to approach Vokaliga MLAs, Mr Sriramulu is talking to SC/ST MLAs , especially from Ballari. And Mr Umesh Katti is said to be in touch with Lingayat MLAs.
Although the operation seems to be well planned, BJP leaders have reportedly failed in their scheme as the Congress and JDS MLAs are not sure if they will stick to their commitment and pay them in full. During the last Operation Lotus, it was alleged that the Reddy brothers, who were tasked with wooing MLAs, did not make the 'payment' promised to them and this is causing the legislators to hesitate to give in to their overtures this time, claim sources.
