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Bengaluru, Jul 29: A day after Congress staged a nationwide 'Save Democracy' protest, Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy slammed Congress for "dividing" the political parties and "buying MLAs" and questioned their "democratic behaviour" to lure Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLAs who supported them.

Kumaraswamy, in a media statement, said, "Is it a democratic behaviour to lure MLAs of other parties through political shenanigans and later merging with them?"

"Congress is an expert in dividing political parties and purchase of MLAs," said Kumaraswamy adding, "If you are dividing the like-minded party MLAs through deceit, who would support you?"

He alleged that the term "horse trade" in politics came to be used because of Congress.

Congress had tied to divide the Janata Dal (Secular) in 2004. To this, he added, "To avoid the party being hijacked by the Congress, I had to oust the Congress-JD(S) coalition government through a political coup."

Kumaraswamy further accused, "Haven't the Congress who is making a big noise about the purchase of MLAs divided the JD(S) in the past? Is it not a fact that for the sake of one Rajya Sabha seat, the Congress government in Karnataka purchased eight JD(S) MLAs?"

Both -- Congress and BJP -- are "criminals" in purchase matter, he added.

Rajasthan Congress is in turmoil after simmering differences between Sachin Pilot and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot came out in the open. Pilot was removed as the Deputy Chief Minister and the state unit chief of Congress.

The Congress has accused the BJP of indulging in horse-trading to bring down the Gehlot government. The BJP has rejected the allegations.

Bengaluru, July 29: The Central Crime Branch arrested four international drug peddlers belonging to Kerala and recovered drugs worth Rs 1.25 crore from them, said Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday.

"We have started a war on drugs. Our agenda is to curb the drug mafia not only in Bengaluru, but in entire Karnataka. Many people are involved in the drug mafia. They are targeting students, other states, and international students who can spend and afford to become victims," said Bommai.

The recovered items include 2,000 kg LSD strips, 110 grams MDMA Cristol, 10 ecstasy tablets, 5 kg Ganja, five cell phones, weighing machine and pouches.

"When we raided a house in Soladevanahally police station area, we arrested Shahad Mohammed, Azmal, Ajin KG Verghese and Nitin Mohan. All are from Kerala and we will arrest their contacts as well. They are involved in the dark web mafia," Bommai said.

He said the peddlers were using post offices and couriers for their business.

"I'll speak to the central government, the home ministry and postal department, and other issues related to this mafia. Canada, Netherlands, and other nations are also involved in this mafia," said the state home minister.

"People from influential backgrounds are also involved in this mafia, but our objective is zero tolerance. We are using our intelligence. Drugs are coming from other states like AP, Goa, and other states," he said.
Bommai said he was personally addressing this case and appealed for support from parents, schools and colleges.

"I'm addressing this issue personally because it's important to curb the drug mafia. I need support from schools and college managements and parents. I'll also call college and hostel managements before colleges start. We will make managements responsible," he said.