K'taka should serve as morale booster says Rajnath

Bangalore, Nov 12: Installation of Bharatiya Janata Party led coalition set up in Karnataka should serve as a morale booster to neighbouring states, BJP Chief Rajnath Singh said today.

Speaking to newsmen here after participating in the swearing in ceremony, he said he had full confidence in the coalition government completing the remaining 18 months.

Replying to questions, he said he had full confidence about the coalition partner JD(S) and its leaders including former Prime Minister H D Devegowda. This government was formed because of the initiative taken by the JD(S) leaders to support unconditionally and it should complete its full term, he hoped.

Asked about the 12 point memorandum of understanding sent to him by Mr Devegowda, he said it was true that he had sent a letter and Mr Gowda had told him that he would speak to him once Mr Yeddyurappa invited to form the government.

To another question on the safety of minority sections in the state, he said BJP had never ruled anywhere based on caste or religion.

Wishing success to Mr Yeddyurappa's government he said the breakdown of the constitution was averted in Karnataka because of the pressure mounted by BJP, JD(S) and the people of the state. It was the all round pressure mounted on the United Progressive Alliance government not to repeat blunder of Goa, Jharkand and Bihar in Karnataka that made the task easier, he observed.

UNI