BJP ready to accept power from HDK anytime

Bangalore, Aug 16: Bharatiaya Janata Party in Karnataka is prepared to take over the reins of the State "any time" from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Party State President D V Sadananda Gowda today declared.

Reacting to reports that Mr Kumaraswamy was prepared to transfer power ahead of October 3, after completion of 20 months, under the coalition agreement between JD(S) with the BJP, Mr Gowda told newsmen here, "We are ready to accept it, if it happens early." Expressing confidence that the transfer of power would be a smooth affair, Mr Gowda said, "I dont think there will be any problem in transfer of power." Mr Gowda's reaction came in the wake of Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy reportedly contemplating handing over power to the BJP earlier than the scheduled deadline of October 3, as he was peeved over Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa's statements on his elevation as Chief Minister.

Mr Yediyurappa, while addressing public in Shimoga after unfurling National tri-colour on Independence day yesterday, had declared that he would be unfurling the national flag in Bangalore on the same day next year.

In the State Assembly on July 29, Yediyurappa, seated next to Mr Kumaraswamy, had declared, "I will sit in the Chief Minister's Chair on October 3."

UNI