Gowda holds Karnataka power shift to ransom

The ruling BJP-JD(S) alliance runs into rough weather with the latter putting off talks, reports HS Bartwal.

The ruling BJP-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka ran into rough weather on Thursday with the latter putting off talks for a power transfer to its partner indefinitely and laying down conditions for resumption of a dialogue.

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Furious at the criminal charges levelled against his son and Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy by a BJP minister, JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda hinted that a smooth transfer of power to the BJP may not take place as planned on October 3.

Gowda returned to Bangalore after abruptly calling off talks with BJP chief Rajnath Singh and other leaders in Delhi. In Bangalore, he told reporters: "The situation is not conducive for talks on power transfer. How can I do that when my son is facing grave charges of attempt to murder and that too by a minister of his own cabinet?" Tourism Minister B Sriramulu of the BJP had filed the complaint against the CM on Tuesday. Gowda said he would not take the initiative to resume talks and it was now for the BJP to invite him back to the table after creating a "proper atmosphere", possibly indicating he wanted action against Sriramulu.

Kumaraswamy, meanwhile, said he would step down from the CM’s post on October 3 as agreed earlier. Legislators of both parties fear the uncertainty that his resignation might create could lead to central rule in the state.