K'taka: Gov promises early assembly polls

Bangalore, Jan 26: Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur today promised to hold early elections to Karnataka Assembly which was dissolved in November last after the collapse of the BJP government in the state one week after Janata Dal(S) transferred power to it as per coalition agreement.

Delivering his address after unfurling the national flag on the occasion of the 59th Republic Day celebrations here, he said, ''Karnataka will be going to polls shortly''.

He said the state was fully committed to hold free and fair elections and sought the co-operation of all political parties to hold the elections to the Assembly. He also appealed to the people to take part in the democratic exercise.

The Governor's assurance to hold early elections assumes significance as both the BJP and the Janata Dal(S) in Karnataka alleged that the Congress party was bringing pressure on the Governor to defer the polls.

UNI