We’re not asking for any favour, BJP tells JD-S

Firmly asserting that its ties with JD-S were still on, BJP asked its coalition partner to abide by ‘solemn’ assurance.

Firmly asserting that its ties with JD-S were still on, the BJP asked its coalition partner to abide by the ‘solemn’ assurance it had given to the people 20 months ago on power transfer.

“We are not asking for any favour. We have been asking only for what has been agreed upon. JD-S must abide by the solemn assurance that it gave to people 20 months ago,” senior party leader M Venkaiah Naidu said in the backdrop of the vacillation by JD-S to honour the power sharing pact.

On the intentions of JD-S to negotiate the power transfer, Naidu said: “This (power transfer) is not a new demand. There is no change in the situation. Where is the question of any talk or negotiation?”

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It was a holy understanding JD-S and BJP entered into 20 months ago, Naidu said and pointed out to his coalition partner that the saffron party, despite being the largest group in the state Assembly, allowed JD-S to rule first.

“We have performed our coalition dharma. Now it is their turn to perform this,” Naidu said.

He denied that the enmasse resignation by BJP ministers on Tuesday was a protest or a blackmail tactics and said that ‘the ministers submitted their resignations to enable Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to move forward to facilitate BJP to lead the coalition’.

Naidu stoutly rejected claims by JD-S leaders that the agreement was between two individuals and said that it was between both the parties.

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People of the state want JD(S)-BJP government to continue in power, Naidu who reviewed the political situation with state unit leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Yediyurappa, said.

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