The legislators of Congress and JD(S) from Karanataka, who arrived in Hyderabad on Friday morning, remained inside their hotel for most part of the day. While the stay of Congress MLAs was arranged in Taj Krishna hotel, the 37 MLAs of the JD(S) were put up at Novotel hotel.
Amid heavy media presence and tight security, the Taj Krishna hotel became the centre of camp politics. Throughout the day, senior Congress leaders from Telangana, Madhu Yashki Gowd, Shabbir Ali, Anjan Kumar Yadav and Rajya Sabha MP V. Hanumantha Rao, reviewed the security arrangements and spoke to the media. Except for a brief appearance while entering the hotel in the morning, Karnataka Congress MLAs did not venture out. Private security and police officials barred the entry of outsiders into the hotel. According to the hotel staff, even while having lunch at the restaurant, the MLAs were surrounded by security officers.
Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy met the legislators from the neighbouring state. Though the MLAs were prepared for a long stay, the Supreme Court order to hold a no-confidence motion on Saturday changed everything. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah, who arrived in the evening, headed straight to the hotel and met his colleagues after which a Congress Legislature Party meet took place.
The scene outside Novotel was quite different. Media presence was limited and a number of bouncers were seen guarding the entrance. The party MLCs were seen interacting with the press and spending time in the lobby keeping an eye on the happenings around them. JD(S) MLCs, Basavaraj, R. Chowda Reddy and others expressed confidence that the BJP will not pass the no-confidence motion. The MLAs, including Deve Gowda’s son and MLA Revanna, were holed up inside the hotel.
Chief minister aspirant and JD(S) senior leader H.D. Kumaraswamy reached Hyderabad by flight in the evening and chose to go to Congress camp. He later reached Novotel hotel to spend time with his partymen. Speaking to the media outside the hotel, he said that they had come to Hyderabad to protect his legislators from being poached by the BJP. He said that the Congress and the JD(S) MLAs will not defect as they were all in touch with him.
The MLAs are expected to leave for Bengaluru on Friday night by road accompanied by a convoy of no less than 200 cars of Congress supporters.