Kumaraswamy ready to take ties with BJP to local body polls

Bellary, May 7 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy is willing to contest the local body elections, due next month, in alliance with coalition partner Bharatiya Janata Party.

''The JD(S) is ready to join hands with the BJP to fight the coming local body elections to corporations, town panchayats and municipalites. However, a final decision will be taken only after holding discussions with the party high command. But, if the BJP does not have such intentions, the JD(S) is ready to go it alone,'' he told reporters today while proceeding to Kurugodu to inaugurate a few developmental works.

About the extension of term to Lok Ayukta N Venkatachala, Mr Kumaraswamy said the issue was a sensitive one and could not be discussed in public. The matter concerning giving extra powers to the Lok Ayukta had to be discussed on the floor of the House. If the Lok Ayukta needed more teeth, it would be considered after a through debate in the House. The Government was committed to cleaning up the corrupt practices in the State, he asserted, noting that it had taken action against the corrupt police officers trapped by Lok Ayukta.

Turning down the pleas to desilt the Tungabhadra Reservoir as not feasible, he, however, said it could be considered if the Andhra Pradesh Government came forward to bear a part of the financial burden.

He said the Government would appoint a new Chairman for the Kannada Development Authority by next week as, he felt, the inefficiency of the present Chairman had hindered the development of Kannada in the border districts.

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