Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said he wished the BJP and JD (S) contest the next assembly elections in the State together. “The people's opinion has also been the same. Now, the ball is in JD (S)’ court,'' he added.
Speaking to reporters, who met him at Belgaum airport on Tuesday, he said his party would agree to going to polls with JD (S). “It’s an era of alliance politics,'' he added.
Mr Yediyurappa said the Centre's denial of permission to rename Belgaum as Belagavi is something that could provoke Kannadigas. “When the State government sends a proposal for change of names, the Centre should clear it. It’s just a formality,'' he opined. He said the government could send another proposal to this effect.
He declined to comment on power transfer. “I have decided not to react till October 2. I am observing everything silently.''
Mr Yediyurappa said the foundation stone to Vidhan Soudha would be laid in Belgaum on August 26.