'Operation Lotus' story was spread only to cover up Cong-JDS govt failures: Yeddyurappa

Bengaluru, Jan 17: Opposition leader in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly B S Yeddyurappa, who is also BJP Karnataka unit President, today alleged that the story of 'Operation Lotus' was spread by ruling Congress-JDS leaders only to cover up the failures of the Coalition government which is yet to take off even after seven months of coming to power.

Speaking to newsmen before leaving to Tamakuru to call on ailing Sri Shivakumaraswamy of Siddaganga Mutt, he said that "BJP has not launched 'Operation Lotus' to woo the ruling party Legislators and no attempts were made to destabilise this Coalition government. The false news was spread to cover up growing dissatisfaction among the MLAs of both the coalition partners."

Clarifying that BJP Legislators from the State were summoned to National Capital Delhi only to discuss Lok Sabha election, Mr Yeddyurappa asked "why should they worry if we take our party MLAs to Delhi or Haryana and spread baseless stories to bring bad name to BJP, which has its own credibility in the political history".

He said that the BJP Legislators will be returning in batches to the State capital and if necessary he may visit Delhi once again.

Mr Yeddyurappa demanded the JD-S leaders to come out with the names of six BJP MLAs who in touch with them. "If it is true, let them disclose the names of the Legislators," he challenged.