BJP rules out give and take in Karnataka

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the crucial talks with JD(S) to resolve the power tussle in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Thursday said there was no scope for any hard bargaining by its alliance partner and asked it to adhere 'gracefully' to the power-sharing pact.

"We have made it clear to the central leadership (of BJP) that we are against any change in the agreement that was arrived at 20 months ago. Not even a single diversion.... There should not be any fresh demands," he told here.

The JD(S) should stick to the "gentleman agreement gracefully," he added.
   
Yediyurappa, who is here to meet BJP central leaders as part of efforts to arrive at a amicable solution, made it clear that there was no question of effecting any change of portfolios as the pact was for 'exchange of portfolios' at the end of 20 months.
   
He, however, expressed hope that a breakthrough will emerge in the next two days during talks between top JD(S) and BJP leaders. "I have full confidence in Kumaraswamy," he said when asked whether he believed the Chief Minister will hand over the baton to him.
   
"Both Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy had asked us time till October 5. All of us are here now. Their leadership is meeting. Our Parliamentary Board is meeting. Deve Gowda will also hold discussions will our national leaders. Let us see," a relaxed looking Yediyurappa said.