Several BJP MLAs will join Congress after LS poll results, claims K C Venugopal
Bengaluru: Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal Monday claimed that several BJP legislators would join his party after the Lok Sabha poll results are declared and dismissed speculation about the longevity of the coalition government in Karnataka.
He also exuded confidence about formation of a Congress-led government at the Centre.
"We are very much confident that in the parliamentary election, there will be a government at the Centre under the leadership of the Indian National Congress. The people of the country are now very much for a change and that will happen on May 23," Venugopal said.
"Then how can they (BJP) destabilise the Karnataka government after May 23? We are not going to poach any MLAs from the BJP, but naturally they will come to the Congress after May 23. Naturally that is going to happen," he told reporters in Kalburagi.
Result of the seven-phase general elections will be declared on May 23.
The statement by the AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka comes a day after Congress leader and minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan said that state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa was "daydreaming" about coming to power and claimed that around 10 saffron party MLAs were in touch with his party.
Yeddyurappa had recently said the longevity of the state government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after the Lok Sabha election results.
There are already discussions within political circles that any adverse results for the Congress-JD(S) coalition in the Lok Sabha polls, would have its implications on the state government.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and JD(S) leaders, including its state chief A H Vishwanath are upset over a few Congress legislators, including ministers, clamouring for CLP leader Siddaramaiah becoming chief minister again, triggering a slugfest between the two parties.
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Kohli's U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill dies at 36
New Delhi (PTI): Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets.
He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season, and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.
"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab,” the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.
"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."
Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.
"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.
In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.
However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity,” Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.
