With all indications pointing to senior BJP leaders attending the swearing-in of AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa as Chief Minister on May 23, the State leadership seems to be rattled.
Talking point in party
The matter has become a talking point among senior BJP leaders here, who are anxious about the event would affect their campaign of projecting the party as an alternative to the two Dravidian parties.
“The meeting between Jayalalithaa and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in January dented our reputation. But we slowly built up the momentum again. But if Union Ministers attend the swearing-in, it will be difficult to face the people,” said a senior leader.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at the Congress headquarters here, party leader Milind Deora said the Karnataka government would follow due process while deciding on the appeal in the disproportionate assets case involving Ms. Jayalalithaa.
“Legal process will be followed”
Mr. Deora said the decision would not be political and the legal process would be strictly followed. Asked about the delay in taking a decision making even after the prosecutor recommending an appeal, Mr. Deora said all issues had to be weighed in as it was a sensitive issue.
On Karnataka Congress leaders opining that an appeal was not necessary, he said it was a personal opinion and not the stand of the party.
He hit out at the Narendra Modi-led Centre, stating that none of the promises made during the election campaign has been fulfilled even after a year.