Cong hauls BJP over the coals on 'secret' pact with Owaisi's party

The ruling Congress, which was on the defensive over a move to withdraw communal cases against minorities, on Monday accused the BJP of trying to have an understanding with the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in the coming elections.

"The BJP had done it (having a tacit understanding with Owaisi) in Maharashtra in the past. One can imagine the consequences if the divisive forces come together," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters on seeking his reaction to reports in a section of media that the BJP was looking to have a truck with AIMIM to ensure division of minority votes.

BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje flatly denied the reports. "The BJP will never stoop to the level of having a tie-up with anti-national forces like AIMIM. The BJP can never compromise with national interest. The Congress leaders are making baseless accusations. It shows their desperation," she said.

The Congress had been on the defensive in the past few days on the controversial circular issued by the government seeking to withdraw criminal cases filed against those belonging to minority communities between 2013 and 2017. The BJP accused the Congress of trying to appease the minority community.

Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the BJP had an informal alliance with the AIMIM in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections last year.

"They (BJP leaders) have been spreading rumours that the Congress is having a tie up with anti-national forces. The saffron party leaders have made it a habit to spread lies," he added.

He said he has learnt that the BJP leaders had a secret meeting with Owaisi in Hyderabad recently. A discussion was held on an electoral understanding. The BJP can stoop to any level for the sake of power, he charged.