Karnataka: JDS-BJP meeting put off

A last ditch attempt to sort out differences between the ruling coalition in Karnataka comprising Janatha Dal (S) and the Bharatiya Janata Party was unsuccessful with Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy calling off the much awaited coordination committee meeting at the last minute.

Both the JD (S) and the BJP leaders were scheduled to meet at 'Krishna' the chief minister's official residence in Bangalore on Saturday to sort out differences regarding the transfer of power.

The meeting was initially scheduled for Friday, but had to be postponed as the chief minister was out of town.

On Saturday morning, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had to put off the meeting while stating that he had to tour Bellary district. The cancellation of the meeting has drawn the ire of the BJP leaders who state that they had been let down.

Several BJP leaders who seemed visibly upset with the change in plan, rushed to Deputy Chief Minister, B S Yediyurappa's house to decide on the next course of action.

The BJP leaders are expected to have several rounds of discussions on what the party is supposed to do on this issue.

Some of BJP leaders cried foul and said that the meeting was put of intentionally, so that the topic of power transfer could be avoided. The meeting of the BJP leaders is said to be crucial for the future of the ruling coalition in Karnataka.

On Friday night there were reports stating that the CM had called Yediyurappa and assured him that the transfer of power would be smooth and as promised.

The rift between the coalition partners occurred after the CM had allegedly stated that the alliance with the BJP had affected the secular image of the JD(S). As per the agreement, the JD-S is to hand over power to the BJP on October 3.