DVS: Congress, JD(S) trying to lure BJP MLAs

Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation D V Sadananda Gowda on Monday called Congress and JD(S) leaders thieves for trying to poach BJP MLAs.

“They (leaders of the Congress and the JD-S) are thieves. The Congress leaders have already said some BJP legislators are in touch with their party. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has said he can poach BJP MLAs. Then, who is the thief?,” he said, when reporters sought to know his reaction to the Congress accusation that the saffron party was trying to poach its MLAs.

The BJP has not made any effort to poach legislators. There is no need for it. But if any of the Congress or JD(S) MLAs wishes to join the BJP, they are welcome.

“We believe in democracy. The BJP will never try to destabilise the coalition government,” the union minister said.

He said the BJP should not be held responsible if the coalition government falls on its own.

The Congress is facing rebellion from its own minister and MLAs, Gowda said.