Transfer of power to BJP depends on Mr Deve Gowda's decision

Bangalore, July 10 (UNI) Transfer of power to Bharatiya Janata Party by Janata Dal (Secular) depends on the decision of former Prime Minister and JD(S) National President H D Deve Gowda, Minister for Mining Chennigappa said today.

In a chat with newsmen here, he said that "if Mr Gowda wants to abide by the agreement the transfer of power would take place in October as agreed otherwise no".

Replying to a question, Mr Chennigappa reiterated that he might not be in the ministry if transfer of power took place. " Let youngsters come forward and I would devote my time for the party work".

To another question, he said he was thinking against contesting in the next election on health ground, however, the decision depended on the direction by Mr Gowda.

Referring to his ministry, he said the department had already earned additional revenue of Rs 300 Crores this year and another Rs 400 Crore was expected.

He said that due to increase in Cess to Rs 300 per tonne, the Centre would be earning Rs 2000 Crore additional revenue from mining from the State this year. The State would get 30 per cent of the revenue as its share, he added.

UNI