Breather for Congress-JD(S), BJP puts Operation Lotus ‘on hold’

BENGALURU: The JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka can heave a sigh of relief as the BJP unit here has “temporarily suspended” its Operation Lotus aimed at toppling the coalition government in the state.
BJP sources said the central leadership has asked state party chief B S Yeddyuyrappa to wait for the outcome of the bid to topple the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh. Boosted by favourable exit polls predictions, Yeddyurappa was preparing the ground to make a fresh bid to topple the coalition government in Karnataka. He’s been reportedly forced to suspend the operation for now.
According to party insiders, around 10 legislators — seven from Congress and three from JD(S) — were ready to jump ship soon after the poll results on May 23. With the party leadership putting the operation on hold, disgruntled Congress and JD(S) MLAs are reportedly in two minds. They believe the delay will harm their prospects of winning bypolls.
Some legislators are even doubting their future in the BJP following reports that Yeddyurappa may be replaced as party chief if NDA returns to power at the Centre, which looks increasingly likely.
However, sources close to Yeddyurappa rubbished the speculation. “Wait and see what happens after the results are announced.”