Karnataka govt formation: JD(S) alleges BJP offering MLAs Rs 1 bn; updates

A day after the Karnataka Assembly election results threw up a fractured mandate, the Janata Dal (Secular) has alleged that BJP is offering its MLAs Rs 1 billion each to abstain from voting during the floor test so that the BJP could prove a majority in the House and form the next government.

"JD(S) MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) each. Where is this black money coming from? They are supposedly the servers of poor people and they are offering money today. Where are the income-tax officials?" said H D Kumaraswamy, who was chosen as the leader of the JD(S) at a meeting of the party’s MLAs, according to ANI.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka BJP legislators elected B S Yeddyurappa as the legislative party leader on Wednesday, party spokesman S Shantharam said while addressing media persons.

"The party has chosen me. I have given the letter to the Governor and he would call me. That is what I am hoping. He told me that he will take an appropriate decision. I'll inform you after I receive the letter from the Governor," said Yeddyurappa after meeting the Governor, ANI reported.