BJP claims 25 Congress MLAs set to defect before assembly polls

A senior BJP leader has claimed that as many as 25 Congress members of the legislative assembly, including cabinet ministers, are preparing to defect from the party ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The assertion reflects intensifying political maneuvers as the election schedule draws closer and parties jostle for position.

The alleged defections would represent a significant blow to the Congress party's electoral prospects if realized. The scale of the claimed exodus, particularly involving sitting ministers, underscores the mounting pressure faced by the regional Congress unit as it prepares for the electoral battle.

Defections among legislators ahead of state elections have been a recurring feature of Indian politics, with parties frequently attempting to poach each other's lawmakers through various inducements. Such developments typically accelerate in the months preceding assembly polls, as political parties seek to strengthen their parliamentary arithmetic and project an image of growing momentum.

The Congress has yet to respond formally to the BJP's claims. Election analysts note that such assertions by political parties are common during pre-poll periods, though the actual number of legislators who ultimately switch allegiance often differs from initial claims. The coming weeks are expected to see increased political activity as parties finalize their electoral strategies.