Karnataka by-polls: BJP has purchased many MLAs, says HD Kumaraswamy

Ahead of Karnatka Assembly by-polls, former Chief Minister HD Kumarswamy on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to poach his party MLAs.

Speaking to reporters, the former CM said, "They (BJP) have already purchased many MLAs and treating them like animals. If anything goes wrong in by-election, for safer side, they are searching for new animals. Let's see what will happen after December 9.
By-elections will be held across 15 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka including Athani, Kagwad, Gokak, Yellapura, Hirekerur, Ranibennur, Vijayanagar, Chickballapura, Hosakote, KR Pete and Hunsur.
Meanwhile, Section 144 will be imposed from December 3-6 in the by-election constituencies which comes under the jurisdiction of Bengaluru Comissionerate, including Mahalakshmi Layout, KR Puram, Shivaji Nagar and Yeshwantpura.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court upheld former Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar's decision to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law and said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state.
The rebel legislators were earlier barred from contesting polls for the duration of the current assembly, which is slated to end in 2023.
The move marked the end of Congress-JD (S) coalition government, paving way for BJP to stake claim to form a new government in the state.
The disgruntled MLAs then moved the apex court challenging their disqualification. They sought quashing of the order passed by the Speaker and prohibition imposed on them to contest elections.
(With ANI Inputs)
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