Karnataka, May 16: Earlier in the day, JD(S) Karnataka unit chief H D Kumaraswamy alleged that the BJP was trying to poach his party's lawmakers by offering them Rs 100 crore and a cabinet post in the state government. He further accused BJP of using black money and cautioned the saffron outfit from indulging in horse trading.

According to a Times of India report, during a press conference, Kumar has been quoted as saying, "JD(S) MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each. Where is this black money coming from? They are supposedly the servers of poor people and they are offering money today. Where are the income tax officials?". He added that he has an “offer” from the BJP, but will not “betray” his father Deve Gowda again.

The BJP has however, has dismissed Kumaraswamy’s allegations as imaginary. According to an ANI report, Union minister Prakash Javadekar has said, "Congress-JD(S) have come together by unholy means. The BJP does not deal in horse-trading. This is the desperation of the Congress and JD(S). Rs 100 crore and Rs 200 crore figures are imaginary."

According to an ANI report, BS Yeddyurappa, from BJP post meeting the governor said, "The party has chosen me. I have given the letter to the Governor & he will call me, that is what I am hoping. He told me that he will take an appropriate decision. I'll inform you after I receive a letter from Governor."

BJP has reportedly tried to poach MLAs of Congress and JD(S). Earlier in the day, TV reports cited, 4 Congress MLAs to be missing, and that they are not in touch with the top brass. In addition to this, 12 JD (S) MLAs are also unhappy with the alliance. According to an ANI report, JD(S)' MLAs Raja Venkatappa Nayaka and Venkata Rao Nadagouda were missing from the JD(S) legislative party meeting which was going on in a hotel in Bengaluru. So this raised a huge question mark on a probable alliance between Congress and JD(S) to form the Karnataka government.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 16, 2018 02:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).