Mistrust between coalition partners marred the prospects of Govt

Bangalore, Dec 3 (UNI) Mistrust among the leaders of coalition partners the JD(S) and Bharatiya Janata Party has marred the longevity of the non-Congress government in the state, Mr Dorairaju, chief mediator between two divergent ideological parties opined here today.

Participating at an interaction meeting organised by the District Editors Forum, here, Mr Dorairaju, who had played a major role in cementing the JD(S)-BJP government in Karnataka 21-months back, said that the 'Sheer mistrust which stood between two coalition partners' led to collapse of the government.

Denying that it was BJP which introduced the 'agreement on stamp paper' concept for the formation of the coalition government, Mr Dorairaju accused former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda of lying the nation on the issue.

Expressing dismay that there were no takers for the basic portfolios, Education, Housing and Health and both JD(S) and BJP were eyeing for plum ministries including Urban Development, Public Works, Energy and Bangalore Development during the negotiations which took place for sharing of power.

Stating that BJP National General Secretary Ananthkumar, MP had shown lukewarm interest in the formation of Yeddyurappa led government in the state, Mr Dorairaju said that Mr Gowda was hatching some other idea while negotiating with BJP.

UNI