Disqualified MLAs will join BJP on Thursday: Deputy CM Ashwathnarayan
Bengaluru: Hours after the Supreme Court on Wednesday paved the way for the 17 disqualified Congress- JD(S) legislators to contest the December 5 bypolls for 15 seats in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister Ashwathnarayan C N said they will be joining the BJP on November 14.
"They (disqualified legislators) have expressed interest to join BJP and have met our senior leaders. They have been welcomed to join the party," he said.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he said, they will be joining the party tomorrow at 10.30 a.m in Bengaluru in the presence of Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and BJP state President Nalin Kumar Kateel.
Some disqualified MLAs along with Ashwathnarayan met B L Santosh, BJP National General Secretary (Organisation), in New Delhi hours after the verdict.
Ashwathnarayan said party leaders and the disqualified legislators will meet Chief Minister and state president on Thursday and decide on the future course of action.
"There is no trouble or anything, they want to join the party and will be joining...bypolls and other things will come later," he said.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the disqualification of 17 Congress-JD(S) MLAs by the then Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar but allowed them to contest the December 5 bypolls in the state.
The court struck down the portion of the order of then Speaker by which the legislators were disqualified till the end of the 15th Karnataka Assembly in 2023.
Asked if they have been promised ticket for bypolls, Ashwathnarayan said they are joining with joy and full faith.
"They, our friends have no doubt. They are joining the party keeping good faith, when they don't have doubts, why you (media) have," he added.
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West Asia situation 'worrisome', having adverse impact on economy, people: PM Modi in LS
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday termed the prevailing situation in West Asia “worrisome” as it is having a very adverse impact on the global economy and the livelihoods of people.
Making a statement on the prevailing situation in West Asia in the Lok Sabha, Modi also said that the security of Indians has been the government's biggest priority in times of conflict, and the Centre is sensitive, vigilant and also ready to extend every assistance.
“The current situation in West Asia is worrisome. This crisis has been going on for more than three weeks, having a very adverse impact on the global economy and on people's lives. The entire world is urging all parties to resolve this crisis as quickly as possible," Modi said.
He also said that cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz has been a challenge from the beginning of the war, yet the government is ensuring that gas and fuel supplies remain the least affected.
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"We all know that India imports 60 per cent of its LPG needs. Due to uncertain supply, the government is prioritising domestic supply. LPG production in the country is also being increased,” he said.
The prime minister also said the conflict has created unexpected challenges, including economic, humanitarian and those related to national security.
“The countries affected by the conflict share extensive trade relations with India. The region fulfils a significant portion of our crude oil and gas requirements. It is also important because around 1 crore Indians live and work there," he said.
It is essential that a unanimous and united voice on this crisis reaches the world from Parliament, he said.
Modi also said that since the conflict began, every Indian in the affected areas has been provided with necessary assistance.
“I have spoken with most of the heads of state in West Asia over the phone in two rounds. And they have all assured the safety of Indians,” he said.
Unfortunately, the prime minister said, some people have lost their lives, and some have been injured in the conflict.
Help is being provided to the affected families, Modi said.
