Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has claimed that some BJP MLAs are in touch with him.
Speaking to reporters here on Saturday before leaving for Anekal, he, however, refused to divulge either their number or the identity of the legislators.
The Chief Minister said he would have to study the situation in their respective constituencies, assess their popularity among the people, and their capacity to win before making any comments.
However, he clarified that BJP leader and former Minister Umesh Katti was not among the BJP MLAs who had evinced interest to join the Congress. He said Mr. Katti was long-time friend, but he had never said he wished to join the Congress.
Referring to elections to Gujarat Assembly, Mr. Siddaramaiah said people of that State were seeking a change. There were indications that the BJP would lose the polls, he added.
The Chief Minister said he would meet President Ram Nath Kovind shortly with regard to the assent for the Bill passed by the State legislature recently to accord reservation in promotions to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Advice to Pratap Simha
Mr. Siddaramaiah said he had advised Mysuru MP Pratap Simha to change his attitude and language.
Both of them met at a programme organised by the Vidyavardhaka Sangha in Mysuru on Friday.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said he had been touring different parts of the State, but would begin touring continuously from December 13.
To a question on the arrest of journalist Ravi Belagere, the Chief Minister said he did not have much information about the development, but added that the police would take action as per law.