BJP fails to bring home dissident Karnataka MLAs, crisis deepens

The crisis for the BJP Government in Karnataka deepened today with efforts to win them over the rebel MLAs apparently failing as high drama in Goa marked rival JD(S)' attempts to woo them to its side.

The crisis for the BJP Government in Karnataka deepened today with efforts to win them over the rebel MLAs apparently failing as high drama in Goa marked rival JD(S)' attempts to woo them to its side.

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BJP emissaries in Goa virtually conceded as much and Revenue Minister Renukacharya, who originally led the dissidents and now back in Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa's camp, said in Panaji that "they (the dissidents) have struck a secret understanding with the JD(S)".

With just a day left for the crucial trial of strength in the state Assembly on Monday, rebel MLA Anand Asnotikar told reporters outside the Panaji airport before returning to Bangalore that they have not been kidnapped.

Renukacharya, who has been deserted by the dissidents, said the MLAs have cheated the people of their constituencies by taking "huge amounts" to go with the Opposition.

JD(S) leader and Lok Sabha member N Cheluvarayaswamy told reporters at Goa airport: "We will win (Yeddyurappa government would lose trust vote). They (the dissidents) Congress and we (JDS) have the required numbers (to form the government).