BJP leaders might be leaving, workers are committed: Karnataka CM

Bengaluru: After several BJP leaders left the party to join Congress ahead of elections in Karnataka, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the ones leaving are ambitious to become legislators and unhappy over not getting tickets.

He asserted that workers are committed to the party. "We have spoken to our workers. Some leaders are trying to go out (of the party) with an ambition to become legislators, but workers won't go....workers are committed to the party."

"The Congress inducting some disgruntled BJP leaders who are unhappy over not getting tickets would make no difference. Naturally, there will be a greater demand for tickets in a ruling party," he said when asked about dissidence within BJP.

He also took a jab at Congress and said that the party lacked suitable candidates in about 60 Assembly segments. "Congress doesn’t have candidates for 60-65 seats. They released a list of 160 seats and left it there. They put up a show of bravery in the beginning by releasing the first list. But, till today, they have not been able to release the remaining list of candidates. This is their politics. They don't have suitable candidates. There is no question of coming to power."

"They have already inducted some of our party, but it will make no difference. Our party and workers are strong, and people will ensure our victory," he insisted. The BJP has so far announced the names of 212 candidates in two installments.

He also said that there is no truth to MLA Nehru Olekar's allegations of a Rs 1,500 crore scam. "Let Nehru Olekar make any allegation but he must do it with evidence. No point in a mere statement... Let him give documents to justify his charges." When asked about former Deputy Chief Minister Lakshman Savadi’s resignation, he said: "Lakshman Savadi must protect the faith of the people. Savadi is a senior leader and has been in politics for a long time. There is pressure on Savadi from the people but it requires time."

Karnataka will be holding elections on 10 May 2023 to elect all 224 members of the Legislative Assembly.