BJP not to continue Operation Lotus, says Yeddyurappa

Describing the victory of the ruling BJP in five of the eight assembly constituencies in the December 27 bypoll a “positive vote for stability and development”, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today declared an end to its “operation lotus” under which it lured leaders of other parties into its fold.

“We have gained a clear majority and no more Operation Lotus hereafter,” Yeddyurappa, whose government survived on the support of six independents so far, told reporters here while reacting to the results declared today. Under the operation, BJP had engineered defection of seven MLAs from Congress (three) and JD-S (four).

“I congratulate the esteemed voters of Karnataka for electing five BJP candidates in the bylections held in eight constituencies, thus giving a clear majority to our party in the state assembly,” Yeddyurappa said. The strength of BJP on its own rose to 115 in the 224-member assembly and its combined strength to 121 for it as it enjoys the support of six independents.

In an emphatic assurance to five independents who have been inducted into the ministry for helping the BJP form the government seven months ago when the saffron party faced a deficit of three seats after winning 110 seats, Yeddyurappa said they will not be disturbed as they backed the government during the “most critical time”.