BJP may axe K’taka minister to save power-share deal

NEW DELHI: In its last ditch effort to effect a smooth transfer of power in Karnataka on October 3, the BJP is all set to sack party’s tourism minister B Sriramalu.

Sriramalu’s accusations that CM HD Kumaraswamy had tried to get him killed triggered a fresh wave of uncertainty in the state on Thursday. The charges also proved to be a perfect excuse for JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda to abort the deal between the two parties.

However, Kumaraswamy was prompt in saying he would quit as the chief minister on October 3 to facilitate the change of guard but his assurance appeared more for the record.

While BJP’s ascendancy looks doubtful, so does a new coalition between JD(S) and the Congress.

The decision to dismiss Sriramalu was taken at a meeting of the party’s central office bearers attended by leader of opposition LK Advani and party chief Rajnath Singh.

The party, however, will give Sriramalu a hearing to check “if there is a genuine case of misquoting”.Deve Gowda reacted sharply to Sriramalu’s accusations by calling off his meeting with BJP leaders in Delhi and returning to Bangalore on Thursday morning.