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Kundapur/Shimoga, Apr 24: Cracks between coalition partners, JD(S) and BJP, widened on Sunday with chief minister H D Kumaraswamy threatening to go for elections if "false allegations" were levied against him by the junior partner.

An upset CM told reporters at Hosanagar in Shimoga district: "The unjustified allegations have pained me; (but) I don't care for such false allegations.

If they do not want our friendship, let them say so. We are not clamouring for power. We're ready to face elections any moment."

The controversy has been simmering over the past three days, when BJP state president D V Sadananda Gowda alleged at a press conference in Mangalore that the JD(S) had nominated its members to cooperative institutions in Bijapur, Kolar and Tumkur without allocating the requisite 50% to the BJP.

He also took objection to the appointment of chairpersons - in an indirect reference to Kumaraswamy's brother H D Revanna - without consulting the coalition partner.

This was further endorsed by BJP national president M Venkaiah Naidu. Naidu, in Bangalore to attend an event felicitating higher education minister D H Shankaramurthy, said after the meet: "Gowda raised the issue after our MLAs and party workers pressured him.

All such issues should be discussed and resolved by the coordination committee between the JD(S) and BJP." A visibly angry Kumaraswamy, who denied Gowda's allegations at Hassan on Saturday, told reporters in Kollur on Sunday: "All decisions will be taken in the coordination committee.

When I have not made any appointments, where is the question of consulting them? Gowda is in a responsible position, he should not make such statements.

I did not become CM at anyone's behest." In the same vein, in Shimoga, he said: "I have taken the risk of a new alliance with BJP despite earning my father's wrath and displeasure. I am not here to enjoy power.

I accepted the challenge only with a view to doing good for the people of the state and not to cling to power." Gowda said: "The CM has not spoken to me, I have only read news reports on his reaction.

We expect a coordination panel meeting to happen in May first week, once deputy CM B S Yediyurappa returns from his German trip.