J D (S) formalises coalition with BJP in Karnataka

New Delhi, Dec 25 (UNI) The Janata Dal (Secular) today formalised its coalition with the BJP in Karnataka by revoking its suspension against 39 party MLAs, including state Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and ratifying the suspensions against its Lok Sabha member from Kerala M P Veerendra Kumar.

A decision to this effect was taken at the J D (S) National Executive attended by 37 of the 55 members two days after the faction led by Mr Kumar removed former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda from the Presidentship at Thiruvanthapuram. Mr Gowda termed the dissolution of the J D (S) by the Surendra Mohan faction as a 'joke'.

Answering newspersons after the Executive Mr Gowda, who was totally opposed to the party's alliance with the BJP since February for the first time conceded that the government would have no problem for the coalition if the ministry was run on ideologies and principles enunciated by the Karnataka Development Front, the agreed common minimum programme between two parties.

The J D (S) President said farm loans were provided at four per cent in Karnataka. "Is there any paralel in the country be it BJP-run govenments, Congress or even Communists ruled states?" he asked.

Only yesterday, BJP National President Rajnath Singh had proclaimed that Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa would be the BJP's nominee for the Chief Ministership for the last months of present Assembly term.

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