Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy and BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa engage in war of words amid political unrest

In the latest development in the Karnataka political turmoil, a war of words has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the ruling Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) with BS Yeddyurappa and HD Kumaraswamy levying multiple allegations of 'poaching' against both parties. BJP Karnataka president and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, while speaking to reporters on Thursday alleged JD(S) leader and Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy of indulging in horse trading. 

"We are not indulging in any poaching. It is CM HD Kumaraswamy who is indulging in horse trading, not BJP. CM himself is offering money and ministerial posts," Yeddyurappa said.

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Retaliating to Yeddyurappa's accusations, HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday targeted the BJP party and termed all allegations against the Congress-JD(S) alliance as baseless.

"I want to ask Yeddyurappa, I was with my family for three days, but BJP made a big issue out of it. They told that people are angry I was questioned then. Now I want to question the BJP, now BJP MLAS are in the delhi. I have learnt that their phones have been snatched, are they discussing Karnataka drought in Delhi? Is the drought over now, when I took an off for two days it was an issue, but you have been in Delhi for the whole week. Is that ok? What about the money that was spent on you? But you question JDS and Congress MLAs? You have levelled baseless charges. We did not take any MLAs to resort. BJP is doing it, but we are being blamed. BJP will answer the people," Kumaraswamy said while addressing press briefing. 

The Congress is all set to hold a meeting of its state legislature party on Friday. In the wake of the current political situation, the party has issued stringent warning to the MLAs to attend the meeting, or else the leaders will have to face action under anti-defection Law. 

The BJP, meanwhile, continues to keep its MLAs together at a luxury resort in Gurugram near Delhi.

READ: Congress Issues Ultimatum To MLAs - 'Attend CLP Meet Or Face Expulsion'. Follow LIVE Updates On Karnataka Alliance Trouble

(With agency inputs)