There have been speculative reports that about 11 MLAs of the ruling coalition are in touch with the BJP in Karnataka. The saffron party needs the support of 14 MLAs to form a government in the Kannada State. The Congress-JDS 'sarkar' has been facing dissent within the coalition due to competing pressures.

In the light of the reports, influential Minister DK Shivakumar has refuted the rumours. "Except one or two, all the MLAs are in touch with us, they are going to attend the Congress Legislative Party meeting. You will know the strength of the government, not even a single MLA is going to resign," DK said.

Meanwhile, the Youth Congress workers of the Grand Old Party today protested outside the BJP office in Bengaluru, alleging that the saffron party has been making unscrupulous attempts to poach its MLAs.