JD(S) has to honour pact on power transfer: Venkaiah

In an effort to stake its position in the ruling coalition, the BJP on Sunday made it clear that the JD(S) was duty-bound to transfer power as per

In an effort to stake its position in the ruling coalition, the BJP on Sunday made it clear that the JD(S) was duty-bound to transfer power as per the agreement reached between the two parties in October 2006 while forming the coalition Government in Karnataka.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the state executive committee meeting here on Sunday, M Venkaiah Naidu said both the parties ‘solemnly’ reached an agreement on power-sharing in the last general elections and it should be honoured. There should not be any doubt about the BJP getting chief ministership after October 3.

“It is not that the JD(S) is giving and the BJP is receiving power. It is a solemn understanding between the two parties. It is not a secret agreement between H D Kumaraswamy and B S Yediyurappa,” he said. Naidu’s statement assumed significance in the backdrop of increasing rumours over impending power transfer, indicating to its coalition partner that the party would not easily give up its claim.

Refusing to even discuss the issue, Naidu said the power transfer would happen and the BJP would be leading the coalition from October 3. Former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha, in-charge of party affairs in Karnataka, too exuded optimism. “I am confident that Yediyurappa will become the CM. There is no need to worry on this,” he said. Sinha, perturbed over the internal bickerings that the state unit has been suffering for some time now, exhorted partymen.