If They’re(Congress) Not Interested,We {JD(S)} Shouldn't Continue In Govt: Basavaraj Horatti, After Congress, Rebellion Breaks Out In JD(S)

It is troubled times for the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka as the HD Kumaraswamy led state administration is facing one hurdle after another. Just when the Congress thought that the storm has passed post-cabinet expansion in the state, it seems as though the problems have only gotten worse. After Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi threatened to quit after he was dropped from the cabinet, senior JD(S) leader Basavaraj Horatti has raised his voice against the Congress.

JD(S) Leader’s Advice to HDK: We Shouldn’t Continue In Govt If Congress Is Not Interested

Basavaraj Horatti slammed the Congress party and said that JD(S) should not continue in the government if Congress continues to reject its views and dominate the functioning of the coalition. The seven-time MLC and the former pro-tem speaker said, “They appointed the chief for boards like KSRTC, BDA, and KSPCB. They've taken all the 20 boards. They were supposed to discuss it with us (JD(S)). Allocation of boards must have been discussed. They never consulted us. They haven't considered us at all. They're not keen on running the coalition." 

"According to me, even Siddaramaiah is not interested in continuing this government, that’s the reason they are treating us this way. He must speak to Deve Gowda and we must take a call whether to continue with the coalition or not. HD Kumaraswamy is tolerating everything but they are not letting him work. I've seen it up close how did he work when we were in coalition with the BJP in the past. Transfer of officials,  for every small decision we have to discuss it with them. The political advisor was appointed for the chief minister. Parameshwara raised the issue that why weren't they consulted in this decision. Do we call this a government? If Congress isn't interested they shouldn't run the government. I request HD Deve Gowda to discuss the matter with Congress and send across a strict message. If they aren't interested I think we should not continue in the government,” he added. 

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With Horatti lashing out at the Congress, the BJP said that it is apparent that dissidence in the coalition has reached an alarming level. Interestingly, senior BJP MLA Umesh Katti had claimed on Wednesday that around eight to ten disgruntled MLAs will quit and the saffron party would form the government soon. Katti’s comment prompted that the BJP is perhaps involved in horse-trading. Later, former chief minister and BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa rejected Umesh Katti’s claim.

“Everyone stays in touch with Umesh Katti. It's not something unusual. Who does what, we must wait and watch. I am not in touch with anyone. There is no such development. All our 104 MLAs will remain in the opposition and do our work.” -BS Yeddyurappa, BJP State President

Siddaramaiah Stays Mum

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and chairman of the coordination committee refused to comment on Horatti’s statement. After Ramesh Jarkiholi and Basavaraj Horatti’s dissidence out in the open, the coalition government is said to be sitting on a ticking time bomb.  But as the JD(S) and Congress maintain that all is well with the government. The recent developments have shown the mirror.

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