Karnataka

BJP did not lure defectors, says Karunakara Reddy

DAVANGERE: Karunakara Reddy, Revenue Minister, who had played a key role in mobilising the support of the independent candidates for the BJP Government, said it was the decision of the MLAs of Janata Dal(Secular) and Congress to join BJP and no leader or Minister was motivating them to do so.

Talking to presspersons at Oblapura village in Harpanahalli taluk on Monday, Mr. Reddy said that many leaders of these parties joined BJP after realising that it was the only party with concern for the welfare of society and overall development of the State. They were neither given any assurance nor offered any benefit as some JD(S) leaders had alleged, Mr.Reddy said. BJP would welcome those who accepted the ideologies and principles of the party, he said.

The Yeddyurappa Government would complete its term of five years with the party’s existing strength, Mr. Reddy said. Asked if these leaders would be given the party ticket in the by-elections to contest from their respective constituencies, he said the party high command would decide on such matters at the appropriate time.

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