K'taka impasse on, BJP-JD(S) set to move Prez

Bangalore: The confusion over Karnataka continued on Monday even as the BJP-JD(S) legislators, led by senior BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa, prepared to move President Pratibha Patil on Tuesday to let them form a coalition government in the state.

It has been over a week since the JD-S dramatically reversed its decision and extended support to the BJP for government formation on October 26. But the governor has not yet invited chief minister-aspirant Yediyurappa to form a government.

The Governor, Rameshwar Thakur, meanwhile, reached New Delhi on Monday evening to present his final report to the President on whether the two parties can provide a stable government in the light of their strained ties over the JD-S' failure to transfer power to the BJP on October 3.

Yeddyurappa said in all 129 legislators of the BJP-JD(S) combine would be paraded before the President in support of their claim to form the next Government. All the legislators arrived in New Delhi by a chartered flight on Monday evening.

He alleged that the Congress was leaving no stone unturned to thwart the installation of BJP-led coalition Government in the state and that their meeting with the President will expose the anti-democratic attitude of the Congress party.

He, however, said the legislators will not lodge any complaint against the Governor with the President. They would only demand the installation of a popular Government immediately.

He alleged that state Congress leaders and some of the Union ministers have been putting pressure on the Governor to deny the opportunity to form a popular Government, fearing losing its identity if a BJP-led coalition assumes power in the state.

Denying that the BJP was after power, Yeddyurappa said the Congress tried to split the JD(S) and come to power through backdoor even though it had no 'mandate'. Yeddyurappa has already been elected the leader of the BJP-JD(S) joint legislative party.

Yeddyurappa said the sooner President's rule ended, it's better for people of the state as developmental works in the state would be badly affected under President's Rule.