Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar Addresses Allegations of Plot to Topple Government

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has stated that legal options will be explored in response to claims by senior BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal about a plot to topple the Congress government. Yatnal alleges a 'great leader' has set aside Rs 1,000 crore for the operation.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced on Monday that the government will explore legal options following allegations by senior BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal. Yatnal claimed that a 'great leader' in his party has reserved a large sum of money to overturn the Congress government and assume the Chief Minister position.

Despite Yatnal's accusations, he also mentioned that the central leadership and BJP MLAs are against any such 'operation and horse-trading', insisting the government would collapse on its own. He did not disclose the identity of the 'great leader' who allegedly earmarked Rs 1,000 crore for this purpose.

In response, Shivakumar convened a meeting of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and reported the matter to the party high command. He emphasized that the situation must be investigated by the Income Tax department and discussed with Home Minister G Parameshwara for potential legal action.

(With inputs from agencies.)