Cong MLA accuses BJP of Rs 100 cr bribery plot to topple Karnataka govt

Bengaluru, Aug 25 (UNI) In a fiery allegation, a Congress MLA has accused the opposition BJP of orchestrating a high-stakes scheme, dubbed ‘Operation Kamala,’ to destabilize the Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka.

The MLA claims that BJP operatives are now offering a staggering Rs 100 crore to Congress legislators to lure them away and create political chaos.

Ravikumar Gowda, the Congress MLA from Mandya, dropped a bombshell on Sunday, accusing the BJP of escalating their bribery offer from Rs 50 crore to an eye-watering Rs 100 crore.

“Only a few days ago, someone approached me with an offer of Rs 100 crore to buy off 50 MLAs,” Gowda revealed in a press conference. He emphasized that, despite these extravagant bribes, the Congress government remains solid and unwavering.

The term ‘Operation Kamala,’ or ‘Operation Lotus,’ refers to the BJP’s alleged strategy to engineer defections among opposition legislators in a bid to install a BJP-led government and ensure its stability.

Gowda revealed that he received a recent call from a BJP intermediary offering the increased bribe. “I told them to keep their Rs 100 crore,” Gowda said sternly, adding that he contemplated reporting the matter to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). “They are constantly plotting to undermine our government, but our position remains unshakable.”

Earlier, in October of the previous year, Gowda had made similar accusations, alleging that BJP operatives were attempting to entice Congress legislators with offers of Rs 50 crore and ministerial positions. He claimed to have evidence supporting these allegations, including communications with several legislators.

Gowda did not hold back in his criticism of the BJP, naming several key figures in the alleged conspiracy, including BJP National General Secretary BL Santhosh, Union Ministers Shobha Karandlaje and Pralhad Joshi, and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy. “These people are working together to destabilize our government,” Gowda charged.

“The BJP’s attempts are nothing but a desperate gamble,” Gowda asserted. “Our MLAs are steadfast and will not be swayed by these ploys. We are compiling evidence to expose these corrupt practices and will present it to the authorities. I have recordings of the incriminating conversations, and we will release them when the time is right. ”

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