BJP attempting 'Operation Kamala' to destabilise govt, but will not be successful: Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru (PTI): Accusing BJP of attempting 'Operation Kamala' to destabilise his government, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday asserted that they will not be successful in their efforts, as none of the Congress legislators will fall victim to it.
'Operation Kamala' (Operation Lotus) refers to an alleged attempt of the BJP to engineer defection of opponent party legislators to install its own government and to ensure its stability.
The CM was reacting to party's Mandya MLA Ravikumar Gowda's (Ravi Ganiga) statement that a team which was behind the fall of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in 2019 was now working to lure Congress legislators with allurements like Rs 50 crore and a minister post, and four legislators have already been contacted, and there is evidence for it, which will be shared soon.
"I don't know, I haven't spoken to Ravi (Ravikumar Gowda), who has made the statement. But, I too have the information that BJP is attempting Operation Kamala to destabilise this government," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question on MLA's statement.
Speaking to reporters here, he asserted that the saffron party will never be successful as no Congress MLA will fall victim to 'Operation Kamala'.
Gowda had also claimed that BJP veteran B S Yediyurappa's former PA, who had joined JD(S) and lost the assembly polls, was among those behind activities to lure legislators.
In his response to Gowda's remarks, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, "Big conspiracy is being hatched, but it will not bear fruit. We are aware of everyone's conduct. He (Gowda) has taken a youngster's name, but big people are making efforts in this (Operation Kamala). Nothing will happen."
Recently, Shivakumar himself had alleged that a team is active in the BJP to destabilise the state government, and the Congress legislators have apprised him and Siddaramaiah, as to who is in touch with them and what offer is being made to them.
Urging Congress MLAs not to make any open statements on matters related to the party's internal affairs or regarding the administration, Shivakukumar, who is also the Congress' state chief today said, "this is both the last warning and request. If such statements are made in the future, it will be inevitable for me to issue notice."
Gowda had on Friday claimed that Shivakumar will become the CM after two-and-half years of the Siddaramaiah-led government's tenure, which has caused flutters within party circles.
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B'desh: Lawyer killed in clash between security personnel, followers of Hindu leader
Dhaka, Nov 26: A lawyer was killed on Tuesday during clashes between the security personnel and followers of a Hindu community leader, who was denied bail and sent to jail by a Bangladesh court, according to local media reports.
The victim was identified as Saiful Islam, a 35-year-old assistant public prosecutor and a member of the Chattogram District Bar Association, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.
Citing Dr Nibedita Ghosh, a duty doctor at the emergency department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, the paper said that six others were injured in the clashes that erupted after Chattogram’s Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate court denied bail to prominent Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, arrested on sedition charges.
Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, president of the Chittagong Lawyers' Association, said that protesters dragged a lawyer from beneath his chamber and hacked him to death.
As Das was being taken away in a police van, he addressed the crowd through a hand mike, urging them to remain calm.
Around 3 pm, the law enforcement agencies resorted to sound grenades, tear gas shells, and baton charges, dispersing the protesters.
Deputy Commissioner of City Police Liaquat Ali confirmed one death but said they were still investigating the cause.
The Daily Star newspaper reported that at least 10 people, including journalists, were injured during the clash.
