Three opp MLAs join BJP in Karna

Sun, Jul 6 11:55 AM

Bangalore, Jul 5 (PTI) Two JD(S) and a Congress member of Karnataka assembly today resigned their assembly seats and joined ruling BJP. The two JD(S) MLAs -- former minister Balachandra Laxman Rao Jharakhiholi, who represented the Arabhavi constituency and K Shivanagouda Naik of Devadurga (ST) segment -- and Asnotikar Anand Vasant of Congress, elected from Karwar seat resigned their assembly membership this evening. The trio, accompanied by Health Minister B Sriramulu, called on Assembly Speaker Jagadish Shettar at his office here and submitted their resignation letters.

Shettar told PTI he had accepted the resignation by the three MLAs as they were submitted in the stipulated format. Minutes after the their resignation, they were taken to the state unit BJP office where its state unit President D V Sadananda Gowda welcomed them into the party.

"They have joined BJP keeping in mind the state's interest None of them had set any condition", Gowda told the press. Jharakhiholi, Naik and Vasant in a chorus defended their decision to resign and join BJP, saying it was to ensure development in their respective constituencies.

A source in BJP said some more MLAs from the opposition ranks were expected to join the party. The three MLAs would contest the byeelections from their respective constituencies.

If elected again, they will give BJP, which has the support of 116 MLAs and depend on the support of six independents for survival of its government in the 224-member Assembly, more cushion any political instability. PTI.

RECOMMEND THIS STORY