BJP gives a rousing reception to former rebels in Karnataka

It was a pleasant surprise for 11 BJP rebel MLAs, when they entered the state legislative assembly hall after over eight months. The ministers and MLAs welcomed them with open arms.

All the 11 rebel MLAs under the headship of Balachandra Jharakiholi came in a group. First, they garlanded Basavanna’s statue and later Kengal Hanumanthaiah’s statue and after that they walked into the assembly premises.

When they entered the ruling party lounge, minister MP Renukacharya and others extended a warm welcome by giving them a hug. He called, “Come brothers. You are entering the assembly hall after eight months. I am sorry you have missed a few sessions. Let’s forget about what happened and start afresh,” he added.The 11 rebel MLAs posed for photos with other MLAs. Minister Shobha Karandlaje and others wished the MLAs all success. The BJP and Congress MLAs too went to them and greeted each other.

Sixteen MLAs fought together in the high court and Supreme Court against their disqualification. On Thursday, they split into two groups, 11 BJP rebel MLAs came together and sat on the treasury benches.

But five independents, PM Narendraswamy, Sudhakar, Goolihatti Shekar, Venkataramanappa and Shivaraj Thangadagi, entered the assembly hall and sat separately as independents. They walked out when the chief minister moved the confidence vote.