Karnataka minister: Rebel MLAs, the reason behind BJP govt formation

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's colleague and state's Rural Development Minister KS Eshwarappa said that BJP has formed government in state due to resignation of rebel MLAs of Kumaraswami government; hence, y will t be left behind. This statement is in conflict with Yediyurappa's denial of having any links with 17 disqualified MLAs.

RE | Cong Distorting My Statement On Rebel MLAs: Yediyurappa

'We are with rebel MLAs'

While speaking to reporters Eshwarappa said that  rebel MLAs should be credited for BJP coming to power in state. " MLAs who resigned from Assembly are reason behind government formation and I am sitting in front of you as a minister. re is question of leaving ir hands. We are with m," he said.

RE | HD Gowda Demands Case Against K'taka CM Yediyurappa Over Alleged Video

Yediyurappa on Monday refrained from giving credit to rebel MLAs and denied having any links with m. However, a tape allegedly of Yediyurappa h surfaced saying that  decision of 17 Congress-JDS MLAs to resign was taken by central leership of BJP, and its workers should hor sacrifice of rebel MLAs. On contrary, while speaking to media about alleged tape, Chief Minister h said, "We don't have anything to do with 17 disqualified MLAs, we don't even kw which party y are going to join or will y contest independently. Congress party is twisting my statement. Let Supreme Court take a decision on tape."

RE | Congress Protests In Bengaluru Over Alleged Video Of BS Yediyurappa

Seventeen MLAs of Congress-JDS coalition government heed by HD Kumaraswamy h resigned earlier this year leing to a collapse of government and paving way for BJP to form its government with having Chief Minister as Yediyurappa. 17 MLAs were disqualified in July by n Karnataka Assembly speaker Ramesh Kumar and were barred from contesting polls for duration of assembly which ends in 2023.

(With ANI inputs)

RE | Demanding Amit Shah's Resignation Is 'foolishness': CM Yediyurappa