
The BJP came close to form its first-ever government in South India after estranged ally JD-S offered 8216;written unconditional8217; support to it in Karnataka.
In the sudden developments, JD-S supremo H D Deve Gowda spoke to BJP president Rajnath Singh on Saturday morning, expressing his desire to extend support to the saffron party for the next 20 months.
Singh, after consultations with Parliamentary Board, 8216;agreed to receive JD-S support8217;, BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.
JD-S and BJP were running a coalition government in the state till October 7 when they parted ways after the former refused to transfer Chief Ministership to the saffron party.
With JD-S expressing support, BJP said Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur should invite the party8217;s Chief Ministerial nominee Y S Yediyuruppa to form the government.
8220;In the 224-member house, BJP-JDS has a support of 126 members. The Governor should immediately invite Yediyuruppa to take oath as Chief Minister,8221; Rudy said.
During the telephone call, Gowda also expressed his party8217;s desire to contest the next Lok Sabha elections along with the BJP, which was agreed to.