Consensus eludes coalition partners in Karnataka

Bangalore, Nov 8 (UNI) Consensus to pit a common candidate by the JD(S) and the BJP to defeat the Congress in the byelection to the prestigious Chamundeswari Assembly segment still remained a dream as the coalition partners continued to sing different tunes, with just two days left for the filing of nominations to open.

The BJP was in no mood to leave the seat to the JD(S), arguing that its candidate had finished a good second behind former Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah when he had contested on a JD(S) ticket from the constituency last time. The JD(S) was also not ready to leave the seat to the BJP as it felt that high stakes were involved in the elections and only it should fight Mr Siddaramaiah, who deserted the party and joined the Congress.

Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy made it clear that the party intended to take on Mr Siddaramaiah and said leaders of the coalition partners would meet tomorrow to decide on the sticky issue.

Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader B S Yediyurappa categorically stated in Mangalore that BJP would field its candidate and the name would be finalised soon.

BJP State President D V Sadananda Gowda said the rank and file of the party favoured fielding a BJP candidate and he wanted the JD(S) to let a BJP candidate fight Mr Siddaramaiah.

''The party will welcome any proposal from its coalition partner in fielding joint candidate to ensure the defeat of the Congress. No formal discussion has taken place between the coalition partners so far. Tomorrow's BJP office bearers meeting will take a final decision on the matter. However, we are keen to contest in the election. There is no question of the BJP staying away from the poll,'' he said.

The contentious issue of fielding a common candidate apart, the two parties had no differences and were working together in a harmonious manner in running the Government. ''It is only the hype created by the media,'' Mr Gowda said.

The outcome of the Chamundeshwari byelection would not have any bearing on the stability of the JD(S)-BJP Government, he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Kumaraswamy claimed that he had spoken to Mr Gowda on fielding a common candidate, which the latter denied.

The seat fell vacant following Mr Siddaramaiah resigning the seat before quitting the JD(S) and joining the Congress.

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