PTI
Bangalore, Sep 27: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday said he would step down on October as per the power-sharing accord with ally BJP but legislators of the two ruling coalition partners asked not to decide on quitting in haste and to take them into confidence on the issue.
Kumaraswamy told that several legislators were in favour of his continuing as Chief Minister till JD(S)-BJP resolved the power transfer issue.
However, "I don't want to belittle my image before the public, reneging on my promise. I will step down on October three", he said.
While JD(S) legislators wanted Kumaraswamy to take them into confidence before quitting, BJP MLAs suggested the Chief Minister hold parleys with saffron party leaders.
As confusion compounded over the contentious power transfer issue, the legislators were apprehensive that Kumaraswamy's resignation might force Central rule on the state in the wake of the political flux, the sources said.
Kumaraswamy, who had been hurt by the barrage of attacks on him by BJP leaders of Bellary and particularly the criminal case filed against him by Tourism Minister Sriramulu, told the legislators that he was firm on stepping down on October three.
Kumaraswamy's father and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda on reaching New Delhi last night had a telephonic conversation with the Chief Minister who briefed him about the emerging political situation and sought his advice.
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JD(S) decides to make BJP wait
PTI
Bangalore: The plan for transfer of power to BJP in Karnataka came under trouble with the JD(S) putting on hold talks with its alliance partner and setting some conditions for its resumption.
Striking a belligerent note after his son and Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy faced criminal charges from his own cabinet colleague, JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda rushed back to the city from New Delhi on Thursday morning in a huff calling off parleys with top leaders of BJP including its President Rajnath Singh.
"I will not resume talks till a congenial atmosphere is created by BJP leaders. The situation is not conducive for talks on power transfer. How can I do that when my son is facing grave charges of attempt to murder that too by a minister of his cabinet," Gowda said.
Dropping clear hints that JD(S) will not transfer power to BJP on October three, as per the agreement reached earlier, Gowda threw the ball back into the BJP court, saying 'till the situation becomes clear there is no point in holding talks on power transfer with BJP national leaders.'
"The day when BJP leaders create a healthy atmosphere for such talks, I will go for talks, if BJP leaders like Rajnath Singh, Vajpayee call me," he said.
Tourism Minister Sriramulu had on September 25 lodged a complaint with Kaul Bazar police station in Bellary alleging that Kumaraswamy was behind a 'conspiracy' to eliminate him.
Gowda was in Delhi on Wednesday to meet Rajnath Singh to discuss the power transfer issue.
See-saw of Karnataka Politics: