Yediyurappa asks CM to step down

Bangalore, Oct 7 (UNI) Former Karnataka deputy chief minister B S Yediyurappa today demanded that Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumarswamy resign by this evening, and apologise to the people of the state for employing ''unethical'' means to remain in power.

Addressing a huge rally after submitting BJP's letter of withdrawal of support to the government to Governor Rameshwar Thakur, he said ''the party is in favour of seeking a fresh mandate.'' Mr Kumaraswamy had encashed on the image of his father, former prime minister and JD (S) president H D Deve Gowda and ''betrayed'' the people of the state, he alleged.

''Mr Gowda, due to his love for his son, indulged in dirty politics and betrayed Kannadigas. It is an insult to the people of the state. I challenge him to come for a public debate on the atrocities on minority community committed, if any, by BJP as claimed by him.'' The BJP leader also dealt on his performance as Finance Minister saying that due to his effort, the government could mobilise an additional revenue of Rs 15,000 crore in the last 20 months.

The party would launch a state-wide campaign from tomorrow against ''act of betrayal'' of the JD(S) in not transferring power to the BJP as per the February 2006 agreement.

UNI