Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 29: BJP succeeded in bagging the coveted post of the city zilla panchayat president here by entering into alliance with JD(S) for the first time. Former deputy chief minister and BJP leader, R Ashok, who played an important role in forging this understanding, expressed hope of further reinforcing the alliance and rising to power in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike in course of time.

Ashok, addressing a press conference here on Thursday April 27, said, "We have entered into understanding with JD(S) in a number of districts. I met former chief minister and JD(S) state president, H D Kumaraswamy, at his J P Nagar residence four times and held discussions with him. I have also talked to JD(S) national president, H D Deve Gowda. As a result, JD(S) has yielded to the BJP's intention of having a truck with that party in five districts. In the city zilla panchayat here, BJP will get the post of the president, while JD(S) will get post of the vice president. In Tumakuru zilla panchayat where BJP has got 18 seats and JD(S) 14, both the parties will share power for two and half years each."

He said that in Mysuru, JD(S) will get the post of the ZP president, with the post of the deputy going to his party. Negotiations are on in respect of Raichur on similar lines. "Relating to Shivamogga district, as per the permission given by BJP state president, Yeddyurappa, we are holding discussions with JD(S) towards reaching an amicable understanding," he added.