From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Sep 16: Despite the strains in the relationship between the ruling Congress party and the opposition JD(S) in Karnataka, the political tie-up in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will be continued in the ensuing mayoral polls to be held on September 28.

The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office-bearers meeting held here on Friday has passed a resolution on continuation of the alliance with the JD(S).

Addressing the media after the meeting, KPCC president Dr G Parameshwara, who is also the State’s Home Minister, said the he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would hold talks with JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda and seek the party’s support for the Congress. 

So far no talks were held with Gowda, he said.

The mayoral elections are likely to be seen by the Government as a precursor to the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled to be held in 2018, preparations for which have already begun. 

The Congress party is keen on retaining power in Bengaluru and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reported to have directed his party legislators to do everything in their power to ensure a Congress victory in mayor polls.

BJP undecided on tie-up with JD(S): Yeddyurappa

Meanwhile, State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa, who addressed a press conference in the party office, said the party has not taken any decision regarding having a tie-up with the JD(S) in the BBMP mayoral polls.

He explained that JD(S) Stare President H.D. Kumaraswamy has said that his party is willing to join hands with any party that would give them the post of the Mayor. ``BJP will not agree for any such conditions. In any case, the party has not applied its mind on this issue,’’ he said.

He, however, refused to react to questions on dialogue held by some party leaders with those of JD(S). They may have discussed in their individual capacity and not with official approval, he declared.