BJP leaders hold talks with JD(U) in K'taka

Bangalore, Apr 13 (UNI) The BJP unit in Karnataka today reluctantly began parleys with the Janata Dal (United), a partner of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), for reaching a poll understanding in the coming elections to the state Assembly.

Initially, the state BJP leaders were firm on contesting all the 224 seats on the party's strength as they felt the BJP was in a position to 'win a clear majority' in Karnataka.

This came as a contrary to leaders in Delhi stating that the party would align with JD(U) in the elections.

Mr Yeddyurappa, the chief ministerial designate, had stated that they would convince party leadership in this regard and there was no need to 'leave out' some seats to the JD(U).

However, the state leaders were 'advised' and subsequently a meeting was held today.

JD(U) state unit president B Somasekhar and leader M K Nadagouda attended the meeting called by the BJP here.

Emerging from the meeting, Mr Somasekhar said nothing had been finalised yet and the state unit would be sending its 'requirements' to the party President Sharad Yadav and the final decision was likely to be taken in Delhi in a day or two.

The BJP 'core committee' also met to finalise the second list of party candidates.

The first list of 136 candidates released last week had evoked protests and rebellion in the party ranks as the 'old timers' had protested against the leadership providing seats to new entrants at their expense.

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