Giving a new twist to the Karnataka drama, complications appeared in the BJP?s attempt to install its first chief minister in the South with the help of the JD(S) after former prime minister HD Devegowda on Thursday outlined fresh conditions to the BJP for its support. The JD(S) is believed to have conveyed to the BJP leadership that if the conditions are not met, it would have to re-consider support to BJP in the state.
On the other hand, government circles here on Thursday maintained that governor Rameshwar Thakur?s report to the Centre was an interim one and merely a factual account of events so far. In other words, the sources hinted that it could be some more time before the Governor could send his final report and give his own assessment to the Centre.
A discussion on the Karnataka issue that was to be taken up at a CCPA meeting on Thursday morning, was in fact, put off for a later date. Government circles, however, suggested that a discussion could be held in the Cabinet meeting on Friday.
For the last two days, Thakur had been under pressure for what the BJP and JD(S) said was a questionable delay in inviting them to form a new government.
The BJP, however, has been taken aback by Devegowda?s latest ploy. Playing down the ?guidelines? laid down by the JD(S) chief, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javdekar said this evening that they were his ?expectations? and not ?conditions?. ?They have some expectations and they are describing it through letters. But basically what they have conveyed to the Governor is what matters for the formation of government,? he told reporters here. However, Congress leaders here maintained that there is no letter of support from the JD(S) to the governor as yet.
In a 11-point memorandum written to BJP chief Rajnath Singh, the JD(S) president has demanded that rights of minorities, scheduled caste and backward classes be protected. He has demanded that allotment of portfolios be done in consultation with Kumaraswamy. Devegowda has also sought to gain control over the bureaucracy, maintaining that Kumaraswamy be consulted on important administrative postings and promotions in respect of top officials.
The JD(S) chief has also attempted to link assembly elections in Karnataka with the Lok Sabha polls, whenever it happens at a later date. ?As far as possible, the state cabinet shall recommend for dissolution of the House in the event of dissolution of the current Lok Sabha or the term of the present union cabinet ending, so that the state may go to elections at the same time allowing parties to contest independently.? the letter said.
Meanwhile, JD(S) leader MP Prakash, who has spoken against his party?s revival of ties with the BJP, met Deve Gowda. Prakash ruled out any split in the party but remained firm on not joining the coalition.
