Bangalore: Expressing confidence that Congress would win all 15 constituencies in the coming by-polls in Karnataka, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah predicted Monday the collapse of the BJP government and possibility of mid-term elections in the state.
Calling Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa a ‘weak Chief Minister’, the Congress Legislature Party leader said he feels ‘pity’ for him.
“BJP has formed the government with the support of 105 MLAs. They don’t have 113 MLAs. It is a minority government and that too formed immorally by luring Congress-Janata Dal(Secular) legislators. The government was not formed with public mandate,” Siddaramaiah said.
Speaking to reporters in Raichur, the former Chief Minister sought to know how the government would survive if Congress wins all 15 seats. “There are then chances that election (mid-term polls) may come,” asserted Siddaramaiah.
The by-polls to the 15 of the 17 seats represented by the disqualified MLAs, which the Election Commission (EC) had earlier decided to defer until the Supreme Court decides on their plea, challenging their disqualification, has now been scheduled for December 5.
The 15 Assembly constituencies that will go to the polls are Athani, Kagwad, Gokak, Yellapura, Hirekerur, Ranibennur, Vijaynagara, Chickballapura, KR Pura, Yeshwanthpura, Mahalakshmi Layout, Shivajinagara, Hosakote, KR Pete and Hunsur.
Among the 15 constituencies, 12 were represented by Congress and three by JD(S). If the BJP has to stay in power, the BJP will have to win at least six seats.
Siddaramaiah, also hit out at the BJP governments at the Centre and State for its ‘failure’ in providing relief to those affected by floods and delay in release of funds from Union Government.
“Yediyurappa doesn’t have the courage to go to Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seek central relief for floods. At least if he takes us to them, we will raise our voices. That’s why I have said Yediyurappa is a weak Chief Minister.
Karnataka has sent a flood damage estimate of Rs 35,160.81 crore to the Centre and is waiting for relief.
PTI