BJP prefers sacrifice to JD(S)' unethical demands: Sinha

Bangalore, Nov 19 (UNI) The BJP preferred to sacrifice its government in Karnataka rather than submitting itself to 'unethical demands and blackmail tactics' of the JD(S), party in charge of Karnataka Yeshwant Sinha said tonight.

Talking to newspersons here, he alleged that the state plunged into political crisis once again only because of the JD(S) and demanded Governor Rameshwar Thakur dissolve the Assembly and take steps for early elections.

Terming it a 'black day' in the history of Indian democracy, Mr Sinha accused the JD(S) of dishonouring the people's mandate in 2004 Assembly elections by forming government with the Congress, which fared badly in the elections.

''JD(S) has betrayed the people of Karnataka by withdrawing its support to the BJP,'' he said.

Explaining the circumstances under which the BJP decided to accept the JD(S) support, he claimed that the JD(S) leaders approached the state BJP leadership on October 27 and complained that the Congress was trying to split their party.

''JD(S) leaders, including H D Deve Gowda and his son, appealed to the BJP to form government and said they will extend an unconditional support to B S Yeddyurappa,'' Mr Sinha said.

Referring to the 12-point charter put forward by the JD(S) before the BJP, he said ''a veteran like Mr Gowda insisting on a written agreement that too on a stamp paper was unprecedented in the annals of Indian political history.'' ''JD(S) leaders importuned for plum portfolios, which Mr Yeddyurappa flatly refused to accept,'' he said.

Mr Sinha said the party would go before the people and explain to them the 'treacherous act', the JD(S) had meted out and seek a fresh mandate.

''The BJP will emerge victorious and form government on its own,'' he added.

UNI