BJP ready to assume power anytime: Sadananda Gowda

Bangalore, Aug 16 (UNI) BJP in Karnataka is ready to take over the reins of the state ''any time'' from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, BJP State President D V Sadananda Gowda said today.

Reacting to reports that Mr Kumaraswamy was prepared to transfer the power ahead of October three, the scheduled deadline for power transfer under the coalition agreement between JD(S) and the BJP, Mr Gowda told newspersons here, ''We are ready to accept it, if it happens early.'' Expressing confidence that the power transfer 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 three, as he was peeved over Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa's statements on his elevation as Chief Minister.

while addressing the public in Shimoga on Independence Day yesterday, Mr Yediyurappa had declared that he would unfurl the national flag in Bangalore on the same day next year.

In the Assembly on July 29, Yediyurappa, seated next to Mr Kumaraswamy, had said, ''I will occupy the Chief Minister's Chair on October three.'' UNI MSP RS LS KP1640