Karnataka's Post-Election Tussle: Union Minister Alleges Congress MLAs Are Being 'Traded'

Well, the political drama in Karnataka just keeps unfolding, doesn't it? Even after a decisive victory for the Congress, the air is thick with accusations and counter-accusations. In a rather intriguing development, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, a prominent BJP leader, has squarely pointed a finger at the Congress, alleging they are engaging in 'horse-trading' – and not just with the opposition, but with their own newly elected MLAs.

You see, this comes at a pretty crucial moment. The Congress, fresh off securing 135 seats in the recent assembly elections, now finds itself needing to form a stable government. Historically, especially in Karnataka, there's always been this undercurrent of fear about 'Operation Kamala,' a term that refers to the alleged tactic of poaching MLAs to destabilize a government. Initially, it was the Congress leadership that voiced concerns, suggesting the BJP might try to lure away their newly elected members, especially those from the Lingayat community.

But Pralhad Joshi, in a clever bit of political judo, has completely flipped that script. He's not just denying the BJP's involvement; he's actively accusing the Congress of essentially 'trading' their own people! "Why do Congress MLAs have to go to resorts? If the BJP were to indulge in horse-trading, Congress MLAs would have gone to resorts," Joshi quipped, almost daring them to explain their precautions. He suggested that if any MLA goes to a resort, it's because the Congress is internally struggling to keep its flock together.

This particular allegation arose as the Congress was gearing up for its legislature party meeting in Bengaluru, a crucial gathering where they'd elect a new leader. With their significant majority, one would think things would be straightforward, but the shadow of potential internal dissent or external influence always looms large in such scenarios. The party had even advised its newly elected MLAs to come alone, without their personal assistants or any accompanying security, perhaps to minimize external contact and ensure focus.

It’s all part of the high-stakes political chess game that continues to play out in Karnataka. While the Congress works to consolidate its power and elect its chief minister, accusations like Joshi's only add more layers to an already complex and highly charged political atmosphere. Everyone's watching to see how this dramatic chapter unfolds.