Ahead of the crucial Congress Legislature Party meeting here Friday, more party MLAs allegedly under the BJP's radar for desertion returned home, giving the H D Kumaraswamy-led coalition government hopes of averting a crisis.
As Congress stepped up its efforts to quell dissidence, BJP state chief B S Yeddyurappa arrived here, asserting his party was not involved in any operation to topple the government.
He said his party MLAs were also flying back from Gurugram, where they are staying for the past few days.
Slamming the BJP for making "futile attempts" to destabilise his government, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy accused it of keeping the saffron party's MLAs in "confinement" at Gurugram.
Grappling with the political turmoil triggered by reports of the BJP luring Congress MLAs to take a fresh shot at government formation, Kumaraswamy rejected its charge that he was trying to poach their lawmakers.
Friday's CLP meet is expected to be a show of strength for the Congress, in a counter to BJP's alleged toppling bid which the ruling coalition has said has turned out to be a "flop".
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In a notice issued to Congress MLAs, CLP leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah warned that absence of MLAs at Friday's meeting would be viewed "seriously".
"I would like to bring to your notice that your absence will be viewed seriously and it will be considered that you have voluntarily decided to leave the primary membership of the Indian National Congress," he said and added that action would be initiated under the Anti-Defection Law.
Speaking to reporters at Hubballi, Siddaramaiah claimed that all the party MLAs would attend the CLP meeting.
Asked if disgruntled MLAs coming back into the party fold would be made ministers, Siddaramaiah said, "We have not told anyone that we will make them minister or any other thing. There is no disgruntlement in the Congress."
Terming the timing as "coincidence", he said "I'm a worker of the Congress. I have got elected from the party, and there is no question of getting sold for any reasons."
People will give answer to BJP leaders at the right time."
We had gathered all our MLAs at one place and were discussing preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls for the last two-three days. Today all are coming back."
"Who are they to ask where we are going? You try to keep your MLAs intact, why are you blaming us?" Yeddyurappa said, adding that "how many will come (for the CLP) will be known, their true colours will come out tomorrow."
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