K'taka: High Command word final on power-transfer

Bangalore, Sep 8: Karnataka Janata Dal (Secular) President Meerajuddin N Patel today said Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy should consult the party High Command and get its approval before handing over power to coalition partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the JD(S) 20 month term ends on October 3.

Talking to newsmen here he said the situation prevailing now was totally different from the time of formation of the coalition government with BJP.

The Party High Command's decision was final with regard to transfer of power and the Chief Minister should consult the party leadership before laying down office, he said.

He said the BJP leadership should consider the public opinion on the present government headed by Mr Kumaraswamy and added a majority of the people felt that he should continue in office in the overall interest of the state. There was nothing wrong if BJP showed respect to people's views as it had cornered all important portfolios, he added.

UNI