Operation Lotus of the BJP suspended temporarily

Bengaluru: As the BJP unit in Karnataka has temporarily suspended its Operation Lotus which is aimed at toppling the coalition JD(S)-Congress government, which can heave a sigh of relief.

According to the BJP sources, the party leadership in Delhi had asked the state BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa to wait for the result of the bid to topple the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh.

Party insiders have said that, around 10 legislators — seven from Congress and three from JD(S) — were ready to jump on the ship soon after the poll results on May 23. The party leadership putting the operation on hold, has disgruntled MLAs of Congress and JD(S) who are reportedly in two minds. It is believed that, their prospects of winning the bypolls will be harmed by the delay.

Reports have been stating that, Yeddyurappa, 76, may be replaced as party chief if NDA returns to power at the Centre. However, the sources who are close to Yeddyurappa did rubbish the speculation. "Wait and see what happens after the results are announced."