HDK alleges conspiracy against him by BJP

Bangalore, Oct 4: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today alleged that a conspiracy hatched by the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders had caused a 'dent' to his image with regard to transfer of power to BJP as scheduled.

Speaking to newsmen here, he said though the BJP leaders had begun to tarnish his name with more than 10 months was left for the transfer of power in Karnataka and created confusion till the end, thereby causing 'mental humiliation' to him.

Nevertheless, he ensured that the government functioned effectively, especially with regard to implementation of various developmental programmes, he recalled.

Earlier, speaking on the sidelines of a function, Mr Kumarswamy ruled out seeking Congress support in the present political situation for continuing to be in power. "JD (S)-BJP coalition government was still alive and for the moment the question of seeking Congress support does not arise." Mr Kumaraswamy said that he would take a final decision on transfer of power to BJP after the Political Affairs Committee Meeting to be held in New Delhi tomorrow.

He regretted that top BJP leaders, instead of controlling their leaders in Bellary district, indirectly encouraged their public outbursts 1against him and his family members. "While one leader said he would finish me and my family members off, another used uncharitable remarks against my father (Mr H D Devegowda). Should I hand over power to the party whose leaders are out to wipe me off," he asked.

Replying to questions, he said Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa did not had the minimum courtesy to discuss the 'complaint' filed by a cabinet minister against him in the cabinet.

Besides, national leaders even celebrated Varamahalakshmi festival in that minister's house, he pointed out indirectly referring to the visit of Sushma Swaraj to Mr Sriramulu's house in Bellary recently.

Mr Sriramulu eventually resigned as the Tourism minister under party instructions recently.

Mr Kumaraswamy observed that all these attacks by Bellary district leaders against him started from the day when Member of Legislative Council Janardhana Reddy alleged that Chief Minister had taken Rs 150 crore as 'bribe'from the mining lobby. It was unfortunate that BJP leaders took the charge in a casual manner and ignored it instead of controlling these leaders.

Referring to the enmasse resignation by BJP leaders he said instead of creating a congenial atmosphere to ensure smooth transfer of power, they had caused confusion in the minds of the people thinking that their pressure tactics would work. By doing so they should realise that they owed an explanation to the people of the state that they were responsible for creating hiatus between the two parties, he observed.

Replying to a question he said he had never said that he would not hand over power to the BJP. "There is a proper way to do so and there should have been a discussion. All of a sudden I cannot resign and go to Raj Bhavan and tell the Governor to make Yediyurappa as the Chief Minister," he remarked saying till today no BJP leader approached him to broach the subject.

Asked whether there was still hopes of continuing the coalition set up or his party would approach the Congress for support, he said in the present political scenario 'anything' was possible.

To another question on whether the doors for talks were still open, he said it was BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu who had said that doors for talks were closed and not the JD(S).

Mr Kumaraswamy wanted the BJP leaders to recall the situation that had led to the formation of the coalition set up. When the BJP leaders failed to cause a two third split within the party they approached him to form a coalition government. Only after a detailed discussion it was agreed to form the government, initially for the 20 months, and it was purely a local adjustment without any agreement, he claimed.

UNI