Dilemma over power transfer looms large in Karnataka

Bangalore, July 25 (UNI) Uncertainty over transfer of power in Karnataka from Janata Dal (Secular) to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in October, became more pronounced with another JD(S) leader B C Patil speaking out openly against it.

Criticising Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa for his 'partisan' approach in taking up development works, the actor-turned politician, B C Patil, is the latest to oppose the transfer of power.

''We would rather face elections than handing over the Chief Ministership to the BJP, especially to Mr Yediyurappa,'' Mr Patil said today.

Talking to UNI, he accused Mr Yediyurappa of creating obstruction with the help of his followers in taking up welfare programmes in his constituency of Hirekerur, the neighbouring constituency of Shikaripur from where Mr Yediyurappa was elected.

Labour Minister Iqbal Ansari was the first person to come out against the transfer of power.

Housing Minister D T Jayakumar and M Venkatesh, an MLA from Heggadadevanakote, were the other JD(S) politicians who were against the transfer of the Chief Minister's post to BJP and supported Mr Kumaraswamy's continuance as the Chief Minister.

According to the February 2005 agreement, the two parties had agreed to share the post of the Chief Minister for 20 months each before the next election, with JD(S) taking the reins first.

''I will not compromise on the issue of opposing the handing over of the Chief Ministership to Mr Yediyurappa. I am responsible for the development of the people of my constituency and Mr Yediyurappa is trying to put road blocks. How can I support such a Chief Minister'', he asked.

''I am responsible for the people of my constituency and not Mr Yediyurappa,'' he said, claiming that the state would witness a big change in the political scenario next month.

UNI