LK Advani wants to meet PM Manmohan Singh to discuss Karnataka issue

Miffed at the role of Karnataka governor HR Bhardwaj in "generating" a crisis in the state, senior BJP leader LK Advani today sought an appointment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss the issue.

After meeting BJP MLAs from Karnataka to discuss the political situation in the state and chalk out the future course of action, Advani and other senior leaders decided that the "partisan" role of the governor should be brought to the notice of the Prime Minister.

Sources said the party has not yet heard from the Prime Minister on their request for a meeting.

Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley had earlier questioned the role and motive of Bhardwaj in first sending a report to the Centre recommending imposition of president's rule in Karnataka and then asking the BS Yeddyurappa government to prove its majority in the assembly again on October 14.

Jaitley had alleged that the Karnataka Raj Bhawan is being used for "political purposes and horse-trading". He maintained that "possible defectors" were virtually operating from the governor's house.

Earlier, when the crisis erupted, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj had criticised Bhardwaj and said the Centre should recall him, a demand reiterated today by Jaitley.