JD(S) to back BJP’s oust Ayukta campaign

“I will get the signature of 30-35 legislators of my party for a joint memorandum to be submitted to the Speaker for the removal of Lokayukta. It is not a big deal...I will get it done before the beginning of the winter session of the Legislature,” state JD(S) president H.D. Kumaraswamy told DC.

The BJP had alleged non-cooperation by JD(S) for not signing the joint memorandum since the former did not have enough numbers to move the motion on its own. As per the recent amendment to the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, the signature of 75 legislators is required to move a motion for removal of Lokayukta. In the 225-Assembly, Congress has 122 members, followed by BJP with 44 and JD(S) with 40 members. The former CM sought to know what prevents Congress members from moving the motion for the Lokayukta’s removal. Even an independent member has powers to move the motion in the Assembly in this regard. This proved the escapist attitude of the Congress.

He made it clear that JD(S) would extend support to BJP only to safeguard the interests of common people. “I will raise farmer suicides and problems of people living in fringes of forests who are facing eviction. My party will attack the government on all fronts, there is no question of showing any mercy to them.”