BJP, JD U friends again in Karnataka

Karnataka BJP chief B.S. Yediyurappa had agreed to support the JD U candidate for the seat, party8217;s state unit president C. Byregowda told reporters here.

Shortly after the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls last year, JD U had said its 8220;honeymoon8221; with the BJP was over in the state. The latter retaliated, saying the alliance was a closed chapter. The two parties also blamed each other for the electoral disaster the combine faced.

Byregowda yesterday justified the understanding with the BJP, saying his party was a part of the NDA at the Centre, and since the election was for a Lok Sabha seat, ithad sought the BJP8217;s help.

The JD U candidate for the by-poll would be selected in a day or two, he said, adding that the names of former ministers M.P. Prakash and Basavarajraya Reddy besides N. Thippanna were being considered.