BJP MLAs in touch with us, but we’ll not conduct any operation, says Mahesh

Mysuru, Jun 4: Senior JD(S) leader and Karnataka tourism minister SR Mahesh on Monday pointed out that discontent was simmering not only in the parties of the ruling coalition, but also in the BJP. “MLAs from the BJP have communicated with leaders in the JD(S). But we will not launch any operation to rope them into our party fold,” said Mahesh, adding that there was no need for the JD(S) to engage in such an exercise.

The minister claimed that the BJP was not a united house as was being projected by the leaders of the party. “The party has 105 members in the assembly, and there are differences within the BJP. But we will not exploit it for our needs,” Mahesh added.

Amid speculations of JD(S) Karnataka president Adagooru H Vishwanath tendering his resignation to the post, Mahesh said that the party leaders would make all efforts to prevent such a possibility. “Vishwanath is a senior leader, with enormous experience. He must guide us, and help organise our party,” Mahesh said.

The tourism minister pointed out that Vishwanath had offered to resign as JD(S) state president twice before, but owing to health problems. “But we dissuaded him from doing so. This time round, he is keen on resigning owing to personal reasons,” said Mahesh.

The minister said that chief minister HD Kumaraswamy had convened a meeting of all the legislators of the JD(S) in Bengaluru on Tuesday. “We will convince Vishwanath not to tender his resignation. The party’s general secretary will also be appointed at the meeting,” he added.

Mahesh, also the district in-charge minister for Kodagu, scotched rumours of the state government ordering resorts and homestays in the hilly district to stay shut as a precautionary measure before the onset of the monsoon season. “The Makkandur gram panchayat banned advance booking within its jurisdiction. The state government, however, has issued no such order, nor has the Kodagu district administration,” he said.

Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the CM’s son, Mahesh said, would accompany his father during the village stay programme planned in Mandya. “I welcome the CM for a sojourn in a Kodagu village as part of his initiative,” the minister added.

Mahesh, meanwhile, said that relocation of Harangi Dam, a demand made by locals in Kodagu district, was not a viable option. “But we will try our best to solve their problems,” he said.