‘On Makar Sankranti, We Want Change In Government’: Two Independents Withdraw Support From Congress–JD(S) Coalition

Two independent Karnataka MLAs on Tuesday (15 January) withdrew their support from the ruling JD(S)-Congress combine in Karnataka, as reported by ANI.

The MLAs have been identified as H Nagesh and R Shankar who represent the Mulabagilu and Ranebennur assembly constituency respectively.

In two identical letters addressed to Karnataka’s Governor the MLAs wrote that, “I would bring to your kind attention, that I am withdrawing my support extended to the coalition government of Karnataka headed by Congress and JD(S) parties with immediate effect. Request you to take necessary action”.

One of the MLAs R Shankar was quoted as demanding a change in the government on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and complained about the reported inefficiency in the government.

Following the withdrawal Chief Minister Kumaraswamy told ANI, “If 2 MLAs withdraw their support, what will be the numbers? I'm totally relaxed. I know my strength. Whatever is going on in media in the past week, I am enjoying.”

There have been speculations that about eight Congress MLAs are in talks with the BJP to switch sides and some of them have gone incommunicado. The 224-member Assembly has 104 BJP MLAs, 79 Congress and 37 law-makers from JD(S).

BJP Karnataka chief B S Yeddyurappa has denied all accusations that his party is attempting a form of ‘Operation Lotus’ aimed at toppling the government, Times of India reported.