25 Congress MLAs Ready to Join BJP If Elections Held Now, Claims Vijayendra

Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Monday claimed that 25 Congress legislators, including ministers in Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s Cabinet, would join the BJP if elections were held now, asserting that the political atmosphere had shifted in his party’s favour.

Responding to allegations that the BJP was attempting to poach Congress leaders, Vijayendra said his party did not need to make such efforts, claiming that several legislators were already inclined to join it.

The BJP leader also criticised the Congress-led INDIA bloc for seeking a meeting with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, arguing that the matter was already before the Supreme Court.

Accusing the Congress of attempting to create unrest out of political frustration, Vijayendra referred to developments in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, alleging that Congress leaders had spoken about the possibility of similar youth-led unrest in India. He said the Congress should seek public support through democratic means rather than spreading confusion and making allegations. Vijayendra also predicted that the party would win fewer seats in the next Lok Sabha election under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.

On the alleged sting operation controversy in Karnataka, he said recent developments had lowered public respect for politicians. He alleged that some Congress leaders had resorted to unethical tactics to gain political power and warned that those responsible would face consequences.

Turning to the state’s drought situation, Vijayendra accused the Congress government of failing to provide adequate relief to affected farmers. He claimed the government had announced compensation of only Rs 2,500 and cited assistance provided by the previous BJP government under B S Yediyurappa.

Vijayendra further alleged that Karnataka’s finances were nearing bankruptcy and accused the government of diverting attention from its shortcomings. He claimed unpaid dues to oil companies had left state transport buses stranded in depots.

He also questioned the government’s proposed ring road projects in taluks, alleging they could benefit real estate interests. The Congress government has not responded to the specific allegations in the statement.