Hubballi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attacked the BJP-JD(S) combine for attempting to destabilize the Congress government in Karnataka through ‘Operation Kamala.’ He firmly stated that none of the Congress MLAs would succumb to monetary temptations and that the BJP’s efforts to undermine the government would not succeed.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Hubballi airport on Friday, Siddaramaiah emphasized the resilience of the Congress government. “The BJP is trying to destabilize our government with Operation Kamala, but Congress MLAs will not be lured by money. Destabilizing our government is not an easy task,” he asserted.
When asked about the BJP’s alleged attempts to poach Congress MLAs, he said that BJP leaders were trying to replicate their earlier tactics.
“The BJP never came to power in Karnataka through the people’s mandate. They used Operation Kamala for a backdoor entry in 2008 and 2019. But this time, with 136 Congress MLAs, their efforts will fail. It is not going to be easy,” he said confidently.
The Chief Minister further alleged that the high commands of BJP and JD(S) were working in tandem to destabilize the government, targeting him specifically in their political maneuvers.
Siddaramaiah also hit back at BJP state president Vijayendra, who had called for his resignation over allegations in the MUDA case.
“Should I resign just because Vijayendra demanded it? Then I can also demand his resignation as state president. Will he oblige?" he questioned.
Siddaramaiah also announced that all Congress ministers, MLAs, MLCs, and MPs from Karnataka would meet with the Governor on Saturday to press for prosecution approval in cases involving former Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, Shashikala Jolle, Janardhana Reddy, and Murugesh Nirani. “In these cases, inquiries have been completed, and the chargesheets are ready, with only prosecution approval pending. But in my case, there has not even been a preliminary inquiry and there is no report,” Siddaramaiah clarified.
On the long-delayed Mahadayi project, Siddaramaiah reiterated the state government's readiness to begin work as soon as environmental clearance is received from the Centre.
“If Union Minister Pralhad Joshi secures approval from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), we will immediately start the project,” he assured.
Addressing the controversy surrounding actor Darshan receiving special privileges in jail, Siddaramaiah said that immediate actions were taken on the erring officials.
"Nine officials had been suspended for dereliction of duty. Darshan has been transferred to Bellary Jail, and the other accused have been relocated to different prisons across the state. A notice has also been issued to the DGP of prisons,” he added.
