Karnataka governor's action has Sonia Gandhi's blessings: Ananth Kumar

BJP leader HN Ananth Kumar today alleged Governor H R Bhardwaj's recommendation of president's rule in Karnataka had the "blessings" of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and "approval" of Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking at a public rally in the district headquarters town of Bellary, Ananth Kumar said the "conspiracy" (to impose President's Rule) was not hatched in Raj Bhavan alone, adding, one has to understand as to who all have taken part in it.

"It has the blessings of Sonia Gandhi, it has the approval of Rahul Gandhi; it has the 'silent approval' of (prime minister) Manmohan Singh", he alleged.

Kumar said the Congress high command has joined hands with JD(S) supremo HD Devegowda in the 'conspiracy' to impose president's rule in the state.

BJP's state unit President KS Eshwarappa and ministers G Janardhana Reddy, Shobha Karandlaje and B Sriramulu were among those present at the rally.

Ananth Kumar later also took part in protests in Hubli, while Eshwarappa led the demonstrations in Chitradurga.

Chief minister BS Yeddyurappa addressed a rally in Mangalore.

BJP kicked off protest rallies, one led by Yeddyurappa and another by Eshwarappa, yesterday to mobilise public opinion against the Governor recommending central rule, and also to exert pressure on Bhardwaj to give his nod to Cabinet decision to convene the Assembly session from June 2.