Karnataka govt tapping phones of political leaders, alleges BJP
What's the story
The BJP's Karnataka unit today accused the HD Kumaraswamy government of tapping phones of political leaders across party lines fearing that a few disgruntled MLAs from the ruling Congress-JDS coalition may resign.
"The government did not have belief in their own MLAs and alliance partners and was worried that leaders may betray them," BJP General Secretary, CT Ravi, said.
Quote
Ravi shares information about leaders who's phone are getting tapped
"According to my information, phone numbers of political leaders and MLAs from both opposition and ruling side are being tapped by this government through its officials and police department," Ravi said.
Details
No need for BJP to topple the govt: Ravi
There were reports that some disgruntled MLAs from the Congress party were in touch with the BJP, with plans to bring down the government and thereby paving the way for the saffron party to stake claim.
"There was no need for the BJP to make any attempts to topple the government as preparations are already on within the coalition for it," Ravi said.
No coordination
Ravi says there's no level of coordination in Kumaraswamy's govt
"Many coalition leaders, especially those from the Congress, are facing existential crisis," Ravi said.
"Ministers in state government are only concerned about their day-to-day gains," he said.
Referring to reports that Kumaraswamy and former Chief Minister and coordination committee chief, Siddaramaiah, were allegedly not willing to share the stage at an event yesterday, Ravi said, "This shows the level of coordination in state government."
Heavy rains
Ravi accuses state govt of being unprepared during rain crisis
On the heavy rains lashing coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka, Ravi claimed some parts of the region have broken a 34-year-old record.
Explaining the situation in districts of Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, and Uttara Kannada, he accused the state government of not having made enough preparations to address the situation and called it unfortunate.
Urban local body polls
Ravi seeks postponement of urban local body polls
The senior BJP leader requested the state election commission for the postponement of urban local body polls in the rain-affected districts.
"How can the elections be held in such a situation? Should the officials look into election work or take up relief work?" Ravi asked.
Polls to 105 urban local bodies in the state are scheduled for August 29.