According to a report by PTI, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has accused JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy of enticing Congress MLAs with various offers to secure their votes for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for February 27.
Shivakumar stated, "We are fully aware of whom HD Kumaraswamy is contacting, the content of his conversations, and the offers he is making. Our MLAs have provided us with comprehensive information regarding this matter. Additionally, we are well-informed about the BJP's strategic maneuvers."
He further alleged that Kumaraswamy had issued threats to the MLAs. With the Congress possessing 135 MLAs out of the 224-member assembly, they anticipate securing three out of the four available seats, while the BJP and JD(S) alliance aims to secure one seat.
Shivakumar expressed confidence in their stance, emphasizing, "We have secured 136 seats in the assembly, and two Independent MLAs have aligned themselves with us."
When questioned about the possibility of Opposition parties attempting cross-voting, Shivakumar responded, "Why would they (BJP) field a candidate without cause? Their candidate has been nominated to further their objectives. Let us observe the voting patterns on February 27."
Shivakumar added, "He (Kumaraswamy) has engaged in conversations and made offers to Congress MLAs. These MLAs have informed me about the situation. He resorted to threats. I am fully cognizant of the situation, but I will refrain from commenting on it at this juncture."
JD(S), led by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, aligned with the BJP-led NDA last year. With the BJP and JD(S) boasting 66 and 19 members, respectively, they stand a chance of collectively securing one seat in the elections, which will be determined by MLA votes.
The Congress has nominated Ajay Maken, Syed Naseer Hussain, and GC Chandrasekhar as their candidates, while former MLC Narayana Bandage represents the BJP. Additionally, JD(S) leader and former Rajya Sabha Member D Kupendra Reddy filed his nomination last week.
Each candidate must secure 45 votes to emerge victorious if only four candidates are in contention. However, if there are more candidates, preference votes will come into play, according to official sources cited by PTI.
