JD(S) decides to make BJP wait

BANGALORE: The plan for transfer of power to BJP in Karnataka came under trouble with the JD(S) putting on hold talks with its alliance partner and setting some conditions for its resumption.

Striking a belligerent note after his son and Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy faced criminal charges from his own cabinet colleague, JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda rushed back to the city from New Delhi on Thursday morning in a huff calling off parleys with top leaders of BJP including its President Rajnath Singh.

"I will not resume talks till a congenial atmosphere is created by BJP leaders. 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 that too by a minister of his cabinet," Gowda said.

Dropping clear hints that JD(S) will not transfer power to BJP on October three, as per the agreement reached earlier, Gowda threw the ball back into the BJP court, saying 'till the situation becomes clear there is no point in holding talks on power transfer with BJP national leaders.'

"The day when BJP leaders create a healthy atmosphere for such talks, I will go for talks, if BJP leaders like Rajnath Singh, Vajpayee call me," he said.

Tourism Minister Sriramulu had on September 25 lodged a complaint with Kaul Bazar police station in Bellary alleging that Kumaraswamy was behind a 'conspiracy' to eliminate him.

Gowda was in Delhi on Wednesday to meet Rajnath Singh to discuss the power transfer issue.