CM denies reports that he would step down on Oct 3

Bangalore, Sep 28 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today denied media reports that he would be stepping down on October three to hand over Chief Minister's post to the coalition partner BJP as per the pre-government formation agreement.

Media reports attributed to the Chief Minister said yesterday that Mr Kumaraswamy would be demitting his office on October three.

Speaking to newspersons at his official residence 'Krishna' he denied that he had made any such statement.

"I never said that I would be resigning on October three as reported by a section of the media. The issue would be decided only after the meeting of the JD(S) legislators to be held on September 30," he said.

Mr Kumaraswamy said he had only stated that the issue of transfer of power would be decided only after September 30.

Replying to a question Mr Kuamraswamy said that majority of party leaders were bringing pressure on him not to demit office and he would take a final decision only after the process of local body elections was over. The elections for 209 local bodies was held today.

The Chief Minister said the matter would be discussed in detail at the legislator's meeting.

As per the pre-government formation agreement between JD(S) and the BJP, the two parties would hold the Chief Ministership for 20 months each before the next elections. Mr Kumaraswamy, son of JD(S) President and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda became the chief minister for the first term.

UNI