'November revolution' certain, CM change definite, claims K'taka BJP leader
Bengaluru (PTI): Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R Ashoka on Monday asserted that the "November revolution", as predicted by his party, is certain and the change of Chief Minister in the state is definite.
The BJP leader also claimed that Karnataka was being used as an 'ATM' by the ruling Congress to fund the party in Bihar and Tamil Nadu (2026) polls . Whoever among Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivkumar ensures "payment" for the party, will be made the "settlement" with the CM post.
There have been speculations about the CM change in the state, when the Congress government reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, which is being referred to by some as "November revolution".
"Legislature party elects the CM for five years. If the CM is now saying he will continue if the high command decides, it means that there is an agreement. There is agreement for settlement, payment," Ashoka said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "what BJP has been saying as the opposition party is true -- November revolution is certain, change is definite."
The LoP was reacting to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's statement on Monday that he would continue in office for the full five year term, subject to the Congress high command's decision.
Asked for clarity about his comments indicating some settlement and payment, Ashoka said Siddaramamaiah and Shivakumar were in the race for CM post, and whoever among them ensures payment, will get the settlement with CM post.
"Karnataka is an ATM (for Congress) whether it is Bihar or Tamil Nadu polls, people of the state should understand it. Why are taxes being hiked? Why is the tunnel road project being taken up now (in Bengaluru) when the Bihar election is there and the Tamil Nadu election is approaching? It is the scheme (to fund Congress) in both states' elections," he alleged.
There has been speculation within state's political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the Chief Minister change later this year, citing alleged power-sharing agreement involving incumbent Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
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BJP to fight Assam polls on twin planks of development, secure state
Guwahati (PTI): In a bid to win the Assam Assembly elections for the third time in a row, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday advised the state BJP brass to fight on twin planks: development and a secure state.
Shah, who wound up a two-day visit to Assam, held a nearly two-hour-long meeting with senior leaders of the BJP state unit at the party headquarters here, with a focus on discussing strategy for the state elections, expected in March-April.
Briefing reporters after the closed-door meeting, BJP Assam president Dilip Saikia said, "Development and a secure Assam will be our twin electoral planks."
He also said that Shah, known for his expertise in electoral politics, has offered valuable suggestions, and based on it, an action plan to retain power in the state will be formulated soon.
“Discussions were held in detail on our organisational and political calendars. Shah ji offered some very valuable suggestions, and we will implement those at the earliest…We will share more details on the action plan soon,” Saikia said.
He further said that the Union minister exhorted the state party leadership to ensure that not only do they secure a ‘massive landslide victory’ but also bag more seats than in the previous election.
The BJP currently leads a coalition government in Assam with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), while the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) has also extended support.
In the 126-member Assembly, the BJP now has 64 legislators, while its allies AGP, UPPL and BPF have nine, seven and three memnbers, respectively. In the opposition camp, the Congress’ strength is 26, while AIUDF has 15 members and CPI(M) one. There is an Independent legislator also, belonging to Raijor Dal.
Saikia said that the party will continue to contest the state polls in coalition with its NDA allies, which was also favoured by Shah.
Dismissing reports of chinks in the ruling coalition, the Lok Sabha MP said, “As far as the NDA is concerned, we are united in Assam. There could be discussions about some issues on individual party forums.”
The saffron party has maintained that its alliance with the regional parties will continue, and formalities like seat-sharing arrangements are being worked out.
Shah, who was on his second visit to the state within a month, attended two other events in Dibrugarh and Dheamji earlier in the day. He left for West Bengal after the meeting at the Guwahati state party headquarters.
