Siddaramaiah claims ‘Operation Lotus’ in Karnataka: ‘MLAs offered Rs 50 crore’

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleged that the BJP is trying to carry out ‘Operation Lotus’ in the southern state ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

In an exclusive interview with India Today TV’s Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, the Chief Minister claimed that the BJP “offered Rs 50 crore” to the MLAs of the ruling Congress to jump ship.

The response came after Siddaramaiah was asked about the BJP, alleging that the Congress government under him would collapse if the grand old party loses the Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka.

“They have been trying to break my government for the past year. Rs 50 crore was offered to our MLAs. They tried and failed,” Siddaramaiah told India Today TV.

When asked if it would be easier for the Congress-headed government to fall after the elections should they lose the same, Siddaramaiah staunchly dismissed it.

“Not possible. Our MLAs will not leave. Not a single MLA will leave our party,” the Chief Minister told Rajdeep Sardesai.

Siddaramaiah also asserted that the Congress government under him would complete its full five-year term.

BJP MP S Prakash joined in a phone conversation with India Today TV, and refuted all allegations by the Karnataka Chief Minister, calling them “unfortunate”.

“It is very unfortunate that he is repeatedly making such allegations only to win the sympathy of a section of society, who are supporting him,” S Prakash said.

He further stated that instead of focusing on key issues and the achievements of Siddaramaiah’s Congress-led government in Karnataka, the Chief Minister is making “fake” allegations.

“Instead of focusing on winning 28 seats in Karnataka in the Lok Sabha elections, Siddaramaiah is only focusing on retaining his own feet after the elections,” the BJP MP said.