Gowda to meet Vajpayee, Advani on transfer of power

Hubli, Sep 9 (UNI) Janata Dal (Secular) National President and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda today said he would call on Senior BJP leaders Atal Behari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Rajanath Singh 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 a decision on transfer of power to BJP would be taken only after meeting these leaders.

Clarifying that the coalition government was formed without his consent following the Congress party's efforts to lure his partymen to its fold, he said 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 unit leaders and their high command. But I will personally meet senior most leaders of BJP and discuss certain issues to continue the coalition by transferring power to BJP'', he added.

Replying to a question, Mr Gowda said he had respect for Mr Vajpayee as a senior leader and a statesman as it was he who advocated 'Rajadharma'.

Mr Gowda defended his decision to appoint Mr Meerajuddin Patel as party's State Unit President. 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, he said.

UNI