BJP launches dharna to press for Govt formation

BANGALORE: BJP on Saturday launched an indefinite dharna to press for government formation in Karnataka with JD(S) support in the wake of the delay in revocation of the President's rule in the state.

The dharna was led by senior leader M Venkaiah Naidu and had participation from only BJP MLAs and supporters, contrary to the party's claim on Friday that JD(S) MLAs will also join the protest.

Naidu, whom BJP high command rushed to the city with a 'message', was closeted for more than two hours with the front ranking leaders of state unit BS Yeddyurappa, its chief ministerial candidate, state unit party president DV Sadananda Gowda and others.

Emerging from the meeting, Naidu refused to share details of the meeting, but however said, "The only proposal before us is formation of the government".

Naidu parried a question whether the meeting discussed the 12-point MoU mooted by JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda remarking, 'our party president Rajnath Singh will deal with it'

A BJP source said that Naidu has brought a message, but declined to divulge it.

BJP was expected to announce its plans on parading BJP-JD(S) MLAs before the President Pratibha Patil.

Sadananda Gowda reiterated his charge that Congress was blocking the government formation.