After days of high political drama, the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) alliance scored a victory in the Karnataka elections, after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief minister BS Yeddyurappa failed to establish majority on the floor of the House and tendered his resignation.
“I am proud that the Opposition stood together and defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so,” Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said at a press conference, moments after Yeddyurappa ’s resignation.
Accusing the BJP of horse-trading, Gandhi alleged that PM Narendra Modi’s claims of the BJP being corruption-free were “blatant lies”.
You’ve seen openly how the PM directly authorised the purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka, so the idea that the PM spreads in the country that he is fighting corruption, is a blatant lie.Rahul Gandhi
Hours after the Yeddyurappa’s resignation, former CM Siddaramaiah thanked Rahul Gandhi and hailed it as the “start towards building a National Alliance of progressive and secular forces for 2019”.
Congress Leaders Pat Each Other’s Backs
Reacting to the development, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Reddy dubbed it a great victory for democracy.
I salute the MLAs of the Congress and the JD (S) for saving the democracy. They did not get lured by sops offered by the BJP nor did they feel intimidated. Although they got elected as MLAs only four days ago, the Congress and JD(S) legislators have proved that the people of Karnataka have made the right choice.TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy, as quoted by The News Minute
Expressing confidence that the Congress would win the 2019 elections, he reportedly asserted that nothing could “stop Rahul Gandhi from becoming the Prime Minister of India”.
Opposition Leaders Join Celebrations
While the Congress-JD(S) combine cheered their bitterly-fought win, Opposition members bombarded the coalition with congratulatory messages. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called it a “victory of democracy”.
MK Stalin of the Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) reiterated Mamata’s sentiments.
The DMK working president, who also congratulated JD(S)’ Kumaraswamy on the phone, lashed out at the BJP’s “systematic abuse of Governor’s office and wanton misuse of Speaker’s powers”.
DMK leader Kanimozhi praised the Supreme Court for its intervention in the matter, and called it a victory for not just the Congress-JD(S) combine, but also the Opposition parties supporting the alliance in spirit.
It has also shown that it is a big victory for Rahul Gandhi. He has shown that he is a very astute politician. It has always been that the BJP could do anything and get away with it. Whatever the BJP wanted, the Governor did it for them.DMK leader Kanimozhi to The News Minute
Meanwhile, Tamil actor Rajinikanth, on Sunday, 20 May, said that the development in the neighbouring state was a victory for democracy, reported PTI.
According to the Constitution, majority should be proved in the Assembly, the Congress-JD(S) is going to do it, and I see this as a victory for democracy.Rajinikanth
Dubbing as "farcical" the time of 15 days given by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to Yeddyurappa to prove his majority, Rajinikanth said that it should not have been done.
"Hats off to the Supreme Court which gave a good ruling," he said, apparently referring to the apex court asking the BJP to take the floor test to prove its majority in the House on Saturday.
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said it was a big blow to the BJP. “This is a big blow for them (BJP) and I think what they had been planning all along for 2019 has failed, they will now have to rethink and alter their strategies,” said Mayawati.
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu said that all those who believe in democracy should rejoice. “Resignation of Yeddyurappa as Karnataka CM is a true victory for democracy. Entire nation is happy with the current turn of events. As a Chief Minister and a firm believer of democracy, I am expressing my happiness,” he said.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also tweeted calling the events in Karnataka a victory of truth.
Taking to Twitter, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan also hailed it as a victory of democracy, saying, “Let the democratic light born in Karnataka spread all over the country. Long live Bharatham the grand sacred country.”
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