Uncertainty persists on transfer of power

Bangalore, Oct 1 (UNI) Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the ruling coalition partner in Karnataka today held discussions on the future course of action in the event of the Janata Dal (S) not honouring the agreement on transfer of power on Wednesday.

Party senior Vice President Yashwant Sinha, who had been airdashed to the city to take stock of the situation briefed the party ministers in the coalition government on the discussions he held for over 40 minutes with former Prime Minsiter and JD (S) Supremo H D Deve Gowda.

Besides the ministers, Senior leader Anant Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who is to takeover the mantle of Chief Minsitership, were present at the meeting, which according to party sources discussed the pros and cons of suggestions made by Mr Deve Gowda at his meeting with Mr Sinha.

Even though the BJP leaders were tight lipped over the proposals made by the former Prime Minister, it is learnt that Mr Deve Gowda wanted the BJP to agree for the continuance of Mr Kumaraswamy as Chief Minister in the backdrop of the Urban Local Body elections in which JD(S) had performed admirably. It is also learnt that Mr Deve Gowda offered some of the key portfolios, which remained with JD(S)to the BJP.

Mr Sinha had also conveyed to the BJP central leadership on his discussions with Mr Deve Gowda. The BJP leadership which was taken aback with the JD(S) demand had hardened its stand and decided not to accept Mr Gowda's proposal and reportedly preferred to go for mid-term election to the state assembly, the sources said.

The outcome of the meeting was not immediately known as Mr Sinha emerging out of the meeting said that he had nothing to say at the moment. He, however, ruled out meeting Mr Gowda again today.

UNI