MLAs bussed out for one more ‘tiring’ five-star stay

BENGALURU: After attending the assembly session on Monday, legislators from the BJP, Congress and JD(S) were bussed to their luxurious digs for what some frazzled members described as extended confinement before Thursday’s trust vote.
Most of the 160 to 170 MLAs had expected the vote to take place on Tuesday. They were, in fact, looking forward to it as the nearly week-long sojourn in hotels and resorts, a part of all three parties’ strategy to keep their packs intact, has begun to wear them down.
With the vote being scheduled for Thursday now, they are looking at 48 hours more hours inside the plush compounds. Several MLAs have complained of “fatigue” to their parties.
TOI asked one BJP MLA from a coastal region how they were coping in star accommodation amid the high political drama. “What can you do? Watch television, chit-chat with your colleagues and have intellectual conversations,” he said.
According to party sources, the BJP leadership has now asked even MLAs from Bengaluru to join the group to thwart any “counterpoaching” attempt.
Television channels showed Bommnahalli MLA Satish Reddy bundling his clothes into a polythene cover. His briefcase with essentials was plunked in a bus, which ferried the BJP members to a resort outside Yelahanka. Senior party leaders have also reportedly decided to put up there to ensure the group does not split.
The Congress also packed off its MLAs to a hotel near Yeshwanthpura shortly after the assembly session was adjourned on Monday. Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah accompanied them and held discussions.
Siddaramaiah, KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao and others were expected to remain there till late hours. JD(S) MLAs returned to their resort under the party leadership’s watchful gaze.