Kumaraswamy would like to continue as CM after Oct 3

Bijapur, Sep 17 (UNI) Striking a discordant note on transfer of power to coalition partner Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka, Chief Minister H D Kumarswamy today claimed that he was prepared to continue in power if the Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs supported him.

Talking to newspersons here, he said his last 20 months could be considered as a probationary period and he would like to continue his tenure in the State for another 20 months with the support of his party MLAs Mr Kumaraswamy, who had been stating that the transition of power to the BJP would be a smooth affair before October three, however, has for the first time expressed a divergent view.

He had echoed the sentiments of some of the Ministers, who had been asserting that Mr Kumaraswamy would continue as the Chief Minister even after the deadline.

After parting with the Congress 20 months ago, the JD(S) had struck a deal with the BJP on sharing of power for 20 months each.

UNI