A statement made by Union Minister Prakash  Javadekar anticipating a political dhamaka in Karnataka has churned the saffron brigade which has been setting eye on poaching a few MLAs to destabilise the coalition Government of the JD(S) and the Congress in the State. Speculation is rife about luring some MLAs through ‘operation Lotus’, a BJP strategy to poach leaders to topple the Kumaraswamy Government.

Javadekar had claimed that the “unholy alliance” between the JD(S) and Congress was set to fall soon. “We were the single-largest party in Karnataka, but fell short of forming the Government by just seven seats. The JD(S) and Congress are known for opportunistic politics and can never give a stable Government in the State,” he said. Javadekar was the BJP Karnataka in charge for the 2018 elections.

Meanwhile a Cabinet Minister in Kumaraswamy Government Ramesh Jarkihole a powerful leader from Belagavi did not attend the cabinet meeting on Wednesday giving teeth to lot of speculations.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council and BJP leader Kota Srinivas Poojary fanned rumours, claiming that state cabinet minister Ramesh Jarkiholi was likely to switch sides. "Ramesh Jarkiholi is mentally away from the current government. He has talked about his pain. Whoever comes to the BJP, we will welcome them".

Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, also said the Kumaraswamy led  coalition Government will fall on its own. He said  "The Government would collapse because of its internal rifts. We will have to wait and see if the upcoming Belagavi session is completed”.

Meanwhile Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy who is running a fragile coalition rubbished the BJP’s  predictions  and said, “This earthquake by the BJP has been happening for the past six months. It’s only about making noise. Our Government is strong as a rock. This topic is dead. We will continue to rule for the full term in office.”

Another Congress leader and a Minister DK Shivakumar a powerful vokkaliga leader said  "BJP leaders are frustrated. Javadekar’s statement suggests that they are indulging in horse-trading. We have given our word to CM Kumaraswamy that the coalition Government will complete its full term.” Former Karnataka chief minister and the convener of the Congress-JD(S) coordination committee Siddaramaiah hit out at the BJP for its alleged attempts to dislodge the Government.

"These people are trying to come to power through unethical means from day one. Already they failed once. Now they (BJP) are trying again by investing money," he said.” Aren't they ashamed for trying to topple the Government? This Government will continue despite their attempts," he added.

Ahead of cabinet expansion the demands for berth has led to  visible rebellion within the century old party. But according to sources the party high command has asked Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah to douse the fire.  

The winter session of the assembly which will be held  in Belagavi from December 10 is expected to be  stormy and some of the rebel and disgruntled congress MLAs might absent in protest against the party. The BJP is working out strategy to attack both the JDs and the Congress.