K'taka: BJP-JD(S) MLAs to start indefinite dharna

Bangalore, Nov 2: In a bid to step up the pressure, BJP and JD(S) MLAs will observe indefinite dharna in the city from tomorrow until they were invited to form a new government in Karnataka.

Briefing newsmen BJP state unit Chief D V Sadananda Gowda said a decision would be taken in a day or two on whether legislators should also parade before the President at New Delhi.

He said the delay in inviting the BJP-JD(S) combine to form the government had led to doubts about the 'hidden agenda' pursued by the Congress. Pressure mounted by the Congress was the main reason for the delay, he felt.

He expressed surprise over the central cabinet not discussing the issue and took exception to the interim report sent by the Governor.

He sought to know what prevented the Governor from sending a etailed report as the legislators had already provided all relevant documents including filing of individual affidavits to the Governor.

"It took only a couple of hours to impose the President's rule in the state and even after seven days after parading MLAs before the Governor, the President's rule is yet to be revoked," he remarked. Congress leaders should be held mainly responsible if there were any social unrest from tomorrow, he cautioned.

Replying to a question he denied his party was power hungry and said it was his party's right to establish a coalition government in the state after getting the support from the JD(S).

To another query on the 'Memorandum of Understanding' sent by JD(S) Supremo H D Deve Gowda, he said JD(S) President had sent it to the party president Rajnath Singh. The BJP chief was out of Delhi and was expected to return tonight. Mr Singh would reply to Mr Gowda, he added.

UNI