Ties with JD(S) in Karnataka is sound: BJP

New Delhi, July 27: The BJP today said that its ties with the JD(S) in Karnataka is on a sound footing and the transfer of powers from JD(S) to BJP will take place on October 3, as scheduled.

Quashing all rumours that the JD(S) might not hand over powers to the BJP as agreed, after the party decision not to vote for NDA candidate Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in the recently-concluded Presidential election, BJP Gerenal Secretary Anant Kumar said they had taken the decision due to regional compulsion.

"we however have no apprehensions at all. Transfer of power will take place on October 3 and it has been confirmed by Karanataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in his statements," he said.

Mr Kumar said the BJP's relationship with the JD(S) was on a sound footing. "Our government is stable and doing developmental work in the state. The BJP's is sure that its leader Yedurappa would take oath as Chief Minister on October 3 and "we never follow the rumours".

In fact, Mr Kumaraswamy would have been the Chief Minister 18 months ago after the BJP emerged as the single largest party. But the BJP agreed to the arrangement offered by the JD(S) to keep the the Congress out of power.

when reminded that Mr Kumaraswamy had also been on record to say that the decision on transfer of power would be taken by his father, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Mr Kumar said said Mr Deve Gowda was their national president and definitely all decisions were taken by the party head.

''This is the tradition in our party also. But I don't have an iota of doubts that the JD(S) would have a second thought on the issue'' he added.

UNI