"INDIA bloc will break-up": Basavaraj Bommai

Bommai asserted that several key allies, including Mamata Banerjee's TMC, Sharad Pawar's NCP, and Nitish Kumar's JD(U), were drifting away, signalling the end of the alliance.

"Mamata Banerjee has already exited the alliance, and Sharad Pawar is likely to follow suit. Nitish Kumar has taken a step outside the alliance. The INDI alliance will not endure much longer as parties withdraw due to the attitude of Congress leaders. It won't exist when Narendra Modi becomes Prime Minister for the third time," Bommai stated, highlighting the dissatisfaction that led to Mamata Banerjee's departure.

Responding to queries about former CM Jagadish Shettar's potential return to BJP, Bommai noted the challenges, stating that Shettar's past association with Jan Sangh might make it difficult for him to join the Congress Party.

He added, "I am not aware of efforts to bring him back to our party. We will abide by whatever decision is taken by our high command."

In regards to conferring the Bharat Ratna on late Bihar CM Karpuri Thakur, Bommai rejected the notion that Dalits and OBCs were exclusive to the Congress, highlighting previous instances where the BJP government honored BR Ambedkar, Abdul Kalam, and Pranab Mukherjee.

"The Dalits and OBCs were not the sole property of the Congress. How conferred Bharat Ratna on Dr B.R.Ambedkar? Why Congress Party didn't give? The BJP government conferred the same award on Dr Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherjee. This award had been given to those who had done good work," he said.

Expressing strong dissatisfaction with Rahul Gandhi's comments on Lord Rama, Bommai asserted, "Lord Rama is not seen if Rahul wears the glasses of Ravana. But the lord is seen everywhere if he wears the glasses of devotion."

Discussing the upcoming Haveri seat elections, Bommai acknowledged multiple aspirants within the BJP, including B.C. Patil, Sandeep Patil, and the son of K.S. Eshwarappa, citing the party's bright chances to secure victory. (ANI)