Hubballi: Congress MLC Shrinivas Mane has urged the Election Commission to bring reforms in anti-defection provisions so that party-hoppers seeking personal gain are not be allowed to contest byelections caused by their resignation. To create opinion and bring pressure on the central government, a social media campaign will also be started, Mane told reporters here on Wednesday.Mane said that he will raise objection even if the Congress Party tries horse-trading to poach BJP MLAs on the lines of the saffron party’s Operation Lotus . “The BJP started spreading the virus of making MLAs of other parties resign, join it and face byelections in 2008. It is doing the same now by luring MLAs of other parties. The BJP is misusing the weak points in the anti-defection law, creating confusion on the stability of the government, which would have adverse effects on the economic condition, development and also administration,” he added.During former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure, the anti-defection law was brought in. Now, it needs to be strengthened by bringing in reforms. “There may be likeminded leaders in the BJP who might oppose the illegal act of Operation Lotus, but they are unable to react,” he said. Mane said he will approach party leaders over the issue.

Stay updated with all the Latest Hubli headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.