Karnataka CM Claims Many BJP, JD(S) Leaders Will Be Joining Congress Soon, Says 'No Question Of Doing Operation Hasta'

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed on Monday that a significant number of BJP and JD(S) legislators, leaders, and supporters will willingly join the Congress in the state in the near future. He emphasized that his party was not engaged in any "Operation Hasta."

He further clarified that the decision on whether there should be a change in the state's chief minister, amidst some demands for it, will be determined by the Congress high command after Siddaramaiah's government completes two and a half years.

Siddaramaiah told the media that numerous individuals from the BJP and JD(S), including current MLAs, former MLAs, leaders, and supporters, are joining Congress voluntarily, without any external influence from the ruling party.

"There is no question of doing 'Operation Hasta', we will induct whoever comes to the party. No 'Hasta', No Operation. Whoever comes to the party accepting our party ideology and leadership -- whether they are from BJP or JD(S) -- can we say no?," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question.

Operation 'Hasta' (the hand, Congress's symbol) -- like BJP's Operation Lotus --  refers to an alleged attempt by the Congress to engineer the defection of opposition legislators to further strengthen the party and ensure the government's stability.

Siddaramaiah discussed a recent breakfast gathering with his cabinet colleagues, where he conveyed that district in-charge ministers and MLAs were directed to ensure the victory of Congress candidates in their respective areas.

Reacting to a purported comment by a BJP leader about a change of Chief Minister in the state, either before or after the Parliament polls, Siddaramaiah asked, "Why is he commenting on our party matter? We have a high command to decide. Who is he to say?"

Siddaramaiah's statement last week that he would remain Chief Minister for a full five-year term did not go down well with some in the Congress circles, with several party legislators and ministers commenting about it.

However, subsequently blaming the media for misquoting him, Siddaramaiah clarified that he would adhere to whatever decision the high command takes.