Operation Lotus a flop, BJP can't lure our MLAs, says Dinesh Gundurao

Mysuru: KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao claimed here on Monday that the BJP was luring some  Congress MLAs with offers of Rs 30 to 40 crore each, but was not succeeding in its gameplan to topple the state government .

“Our MLAs are with us. Operation Lotus will fail. It has been going on for a long time. They are now trying it for the fourth time. But all the BJP's attempts have failed,” he asserted.

Accusing the BJP of indulging in unethical politics to satisfy its thirst for power, he said when farmers were in a crisis in the state, the saffron party could not be bothered to focus on them instead. “Where are they getting money from? The Union government has not released any money under MGNREGA, forcing the state government to pay those employed under it. It has not released funds even for drinking water," he deplored.   

On the coming budget, Mr Gundurao said the government would come out with popular programmes to help people. Asked about seat sharing between the coalition partners for the Lok Sabha poll, he said, "There have been pressures related to all the constituencies. We will discuss the matter after February 10 and finalise things after the Budget session."  

Responding to a question, he defended West Bengal CM Mamata Bannerjee's stand on the conflict between her government and the Centre. “The Union government led by PM Modi is not just targeting people politically but also personally by exploiting ED, I-T, CBI and other agencies. It is even misusing a section of the media to telecast I-T raids. The  Congress too has condemned such action and  staged a protest in the past,” he added.