Bengaluru, Jul 21: The BJP, which is continuing its efforts to poach more MLAs from ruling Congress and JD(S) in Karnataka, has reportedly offered a huge amount of cash and ministerial berth to Rahim Khan, Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports.
“The BJP is making lucrative offers of money and power. They are also threatening our legislators. The latest is MLA for Bidar Rahim Khan,” said KPCC working president Eshwar Khandre.
Stating that the BJP continued its efforts despite Congress MLAs not responding to their pressure tactics, Mr. Khandre appealed to the rebel legislators to return for the sake of their voters.
“The voters have trusted you and made you their elected representative. Come back for their sake,” he said, adding that Governor Vajubhai R. Vala should take note of the ongoing blatant horse-trading by the BJP.
Confirming that he was contacted by the BJP, Mr. Khan said that this attempt was made before the rebel MLAs left for Mumbai. “I got several calls from the BJP asking me to cross over. They were ready to not just pay me a huge sum but also make me a prominent Minister,” he said.
Refusing to name the BJP leader who had called him, Mr. Khan said, “I was told that I would be the first Muslim Minister from the BJP in the State. I did not respond to their offer.”
On Friday, in the Assembly JD(S) member K. Srinivasa Gowda accused BJP legislators of promising him ₹30 crore and offering ₹5 crore in advance to cross over to their party.
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