Governor invites BJP to form government in Karnataka

Bangalore, Nov 9 (UNI) The BJP is all set to form its first government in Karnataka on November 12 when the coalition led by the party with the Janata Dal (Secular) will be sworn in.

Speaking to newspersons after meeting Governor Rameshwar Thakur, BJP-JD(S) Joint legislature party leader B S Yeddyurappa said the Governor had extended a formal invitation to the coalition parties to form the government.

''The swearing in ceremony will take place on Monday'' he added.

The new coalition government will put an end to more than a month-long suspense about the future government of the state, which was under President's rule after Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had resigned on October eight, when the BJP withdrew support as the JD(S) refused to honour the power transfer agreement.

Refusing to divulge the structure of the coalition ministry Mr Yeddyurappa said after holding discussions with JD(S) leaders, including former prime minsiter H D Deve Gowda, the names of ministers to be inducted in the ministry would be finalised.

He said the state Assembly would be convened soon to enable him to prove his majority on the floor of the House.

Mr Kumaraswamy, who accompanied B S Yeddyurappa to Raj Bhavan said both the BJP and the JD(S) would provide a stable and good government in which all sections of people in the society would be protected.

''Talks with BJP leaders were on to decide the allocation of portfolios between the two parties'' Mr Kumaraswamy said, adding that a meeting of JDLP has also been convened on Sunday where the party's nominee for the the Deputy Chief Minister's post will be finalised.

Eds: (pick up suitably from earlier series).

UNI