Last Update: March 05, 2023, 11:01 AM IST
After the BJP MLA’s son was caught taking bribe, the Congress staged a protest against the BJP government. (News18 photo)
A few months ago, the state unit of the Congress and the high command had also expressed confidence in the state’s return to power.
After a BJP MLA became the main accused in a bribery case initiated by the Lokayukta, the ruling BJP, which had built a good momentum for the assembly elections in Karnataka following repeated visits by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi And Union Home Minister Amit Shah, according to sources, faces the daunting task of restoring goodwill and regaining momentum.
A few months ago, the state unit of the Congress and the high command had also expressed confidence in the state’s return to power. The leaders said an internal survey conducted by the party showed him getting a substantial majority.
Former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy challenged the national parties to come to his doorstep after the elections.
BJP leaders in New Delhi, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claimed that the elections would be fought under the leadership of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who has now maintained that the elections will be fought under a collective leadership.
He underlined that votes would be sought in the name of PM Modi.
In this scenario, Modi and Amit Shah’s frequent visits and their scathing attacks on the Congress and the JD(S) turned the tide in favor of the BJP. beneficial situation for saffron party
At a time when the BJP is consolidating its strong position for the assembly polls without projecting former chief minister BS Yediyurappa, the issue of BJP MLA from Channagiri constituency Madal Virupakshappa being made the prime accused in the Lokayukta trap case has raised eyebrows. Insiders say that the applecart of the BJP.
After a whirlwind campaign by Modi and Amit Shah, the Congress, JD(S) and other political parties in Karnataka didn’t seem to have a clue. Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah even called Modi a poll agent for his frequent visits.
After this incident, the opposition leaders have launched an all-out attack on the BJP. Party insiders say the 40 per cent commission allegation that has been troubling the saffron party is back again and has put the party on the defensive.
Allegations of 40 per cent commission by Belagavi contractor late Santosh Patil, who committed suicide blaming former minister KS Eshwarappa for his death, tarnished the image of BJP. The BJP’s Karnataka unit heaved a sigh of relief after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) gave a clean chit to Eshwarappa.
The commission’s allegations by the State Contractors Union and allegations in this regard by Kempanna who wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office were termed as a game by the opposition. Now, with the BJP MLA case, all the allegations are back to haunt the BJP at a crucial juncture.
Party insiders say that Modi and Amit Shah will visit the state in the coming days and restore the goodwill created for the BJP in Karnataka.
Claiming that the accused BJP MLA would not be protected, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai signaled the Lokayukta weapon to be turned on the opposition Congress. “All the scams that took place during the tenure of the Congress party will be probed,” he said.
Sources said that soon a major action would be initiated against the Congress leaders.
The situation in Karnataka is getting more interesting as the elections are nearing. The Model Code of Conduct will come into force any time from now on. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party has also entered the fray in Karnataka, further toughening the fight in the assembly elections.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)