Power Transfer: Gowda to meet Vajpayee

Hubli, Sept 9: Janata Dal (Secular) National President and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda today said that he will call on senior leaders Atal Behari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Rajanath Singh of Bharatiya Janata Party before October three at New Delhi and discuss the shortcomings and achievements of the coalition government in the state.

Talking to newsmen here, he said only after meeting these leaders a decision on transfer of power to BJP would be taken.

Clarifying that the coalition government was formed without his consent following the Congress efforts to lure his partymen to its fold, but now the state leaders of BJP have taken up the matter of power transfer with their high command. "I do not know what transpired between BJP state leaders and their high command. But I will personally meet BJP senior most leaders and discuss certain issues to continue the coalition by transferring power to BJP", he added.

Replying to a question, Mr Gowda said he always respected Mr Vajpayee as a senior leader and a statesman and it was he (Mr Vajpayee) who advocated 'Rajadharma'. I shall discuss the things with him and as well as other senior leaders of BJP.

When stressed, Mr Gowda quipped saying he will give just one example that in Bellary these people threaten the very son of the Home Minister of removing his legs.

Defending his decision to appoint Mr Meerajuddin Patel as party's State Unit President, Mr Gowda said it was not done to lure minority votes. It was on his mind for the past 20 months and Mr Patel's loyalty to the party forced him to appoint him, besides Home Minister M P Prakash was busy with official work, Mr Patel's appointment was made after consulting Mr Prakash, who had expressed that he could not manage both the posts 'Minister as well as party Chief.

Mr Gowda said that he was touring the State in general and few districts of North Karnataka region in particular, where Party lacked unity. He would be discussing with the party men and settling the problems to strengthen the party further.

UNI