Congress open for alliance with JD-S again: AICC GS

Speaking with mediapersons, Mr Venugopal said that the BJP had made a mockery of democracy to come to power. "However, the bypolls would signal the end of BJP government in the State and Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa would have to resign on December 9," he said.

The BJP had become a promoter of horse-trading not only in Karnataka but also in several other States. He alleged that the disqualified MLAs were lured by the BJP, which ultimately led to the fall of the HD Kumaraswamy government in the State.

"However, the bypoll results would teach a bitter lesson to the saffron party. Voters in Karnataka were sensible and they would show the door to the Yediyurappa government," he added.

On post-poll alliance with Shiv-Sena in Maharashtra, Mr Venugopal said the Congress had not compromised with its ideology.

Shiv Sena dumped BJP and sought an alliance with Congress and NCP. The alliance was made only after the Shiv Sena promised to implement a common minimum programme. The objective is to keep the BJP out of power and launch a strong movement against the saffron party to protect democratic values, he said.

He said that the BJP knows to misuse funds and statements by former union minister Anantkumar Hegde that Devendra Fadnavis was made chief minister in Maharashtra to misuse funds was an indication of their culture.

It was not the culture of Congress party, but of the BJP. Money in every constituency could be seen in the byeelection. Where does the money come from? BJP did not have money for farmers in distress, but has for election," he added.