BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of arm-twisting HD Kumaraswamy, motivated by wins in three states

Bengaluru: The win in three states has powered the Congress so much that it looks like Congress is arm-twisting it's coalition partner JD(S) in Karnataka. A letter from KC Venugopal, AICC general secretary, on behalf of Rahul Gandhi, directed chief minister Kumaraswamy to allocate portfolios to Congress legislators. The move makes it evident that the Congress will not give HD Kumaraswamy the opporunity to take any decision independently.

The letter dated December 28 is already present into social media platforms of the JD(S), Congress and the BJP.

BJP was quick enough to say that this "unholy" coalition will crumble as Congress is not taking JD(S) into consideration while taking decisions and announcing various appointees.

"The JD(S) has realised that the Congress is influencing HD Kumaraswamy government in all possible ways. The new posts to corporation boards were not discussed with the JD(S) chief, according to coalition 'dharma'. This is the reason HD Deve Gowda is hobnobbing with TRS leader K Chandrashekar Rao and Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee. As an opposition, we are happy to see this bickering between JD(S) and the Congress," said Vaman Acharaya, Karnataka BJP spokesperson.

JD(S) leaders, who time and again have expressed their displeasure over Congress's 'big brother' attitude, have cautioned the national party of ripple effects before parliamentary elections.

"Congress has become adamant after the win in MP, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh Assembly polls. They did not consult us while announcing chairman posts to its legislators. Important posts like the chairman of the pollution board, Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA), Karnataka State Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and others. Even JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda is upset over this development," said Sharavana, JD(S) MLC.

Sharavana further cautioned about possible impact during Lok Sabha polls in which JD(S) has the option to either go it alone or opt for a friendly fight.  

"On January 3, all our office bearers and leaders will meet at party head office and air our differences openly.  Based on the reactions, we will take the next step," said Sharavana.

However, Sharavana did not give BJP a chance to rejoice while airing his disappointment. He said, "These difference do take place in a coalition set-up. We will set it right. Instead of bothering about the 'love' and 'fights' between Congress and JD(S), the BJP should be concerned about their broken relationship with Shiv Sena and TDP," Sharavana pointed.

Congress defended its move and said that the decisions are taken by party high command and that state leaders are aware of the situation and will not allow the coalition to crumble. The leaders from both the parties will sit and discuss the posts and sort out their differences.

"The BJP should stop circling around JD(S)- Congress alliance. Let them instead prepare answers to the nation about two crore jobs promised by the PM, the crumbling economy, benefits of demonetisation, why exports have flopped, why so many people are being lynched in the name of cow and the list will go on," said Kengal Renu, Congress spokesperson.

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