BJP turns B'lore saffron with flags, banners

Bangalore, Nov 11 (UNI) Saffron flags are flying high as the BJP makes its foray into south India with senior party leader B S Yeddyurappa all set to be sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka tomorrow.

Main streets in the city were decorated with BJP banners and flags. A huge cutout of Mr Yeddyurappa was seen near the Chief Minister's official residence 'Krishna' and near the Vidhana Soudha, the venue of the swearing-in ceremony. A few flags of the Janata Dal (Secular), the coalition partner, could also be seen.

BJP state unit President D V Sadananada Gowda told UNI that only Mr Yeddyurappa and Deputy Chief Minister, to be selected by Janata Dal (Secular), would take oath of office tomorrow.

On ministers and their portfolios, he said it would be decided in consultation with senior party leaders including party President Rajnath Singh, Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha L K Advani, Mr Yashwant Sinha, in charge of party affairs in Karnataka, and other leaders, who are expected to attend the ceremony.

Meanwhile, police made elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order and to regulate traffic as more than 350 buses, Carrying BJP workers mainly from Shimoga -- the hometown of Mr eddyurappa, Mysore, Hubli, Mangalore, Davanagere are expected to move into the city.

Over 170 traffic police personnel have been drawn up and public has been advised to avoid roads leading to the venue.

UNI