Former CM Kumaraswamy said the party just wanted urban development and other portfolios from the BJP.

 “The BMIC project is an important one and we wanted to protect the State’s property by keeping Urban Development with us,” he told reporters in reply to why the party was bent upon having that portfolio.

He also said he was concerned over Yeddyurappa’s recent statement, that Karnataka will be developed on the Gujarat model. “I wanted a clarification from Yeddyurappa on this,” he stated.

Party spokesman and MLC Y S V Datta alleged that the BJP did not create a conducive environment for holding talks with it; it took the JD (S) for granted as it is a regional party. Such was the attitude of the BJP from October 2, he alleged.

In addition, the JD (S) wanted two portfolios - mining and urban development, but the BJP did not agree to it.

BJP responsible
“We were ready to give up the mining portfolio. But we wanted to keep urban development. Because in the last 20 months we have initiated works on many mega projects and have to follow up the same. The BJP was not ready. It is the BJP which is responsible for the present situation. Our experience with the BJP had been bitter, and it was in a hurry”, Mr Datta said.

He also said that the last one-round discussion between Kumaraswamy and Yeddyurappa was held at 6 p m on Sunday.

“Till Monday, 9:30 am the BJP did not show inclination to come for talks. BJP leader Yashwant Sinha was very much in Bangalore but he ignored Deve Gowda. Hence, the JD(S) legislature party has to issue the whip against voting for Yeddyurappa,” he added.

To a query on whether both parties should have attached so much significance to sharing of portfolios, Datta said it was important for smooth running of a government.

Asked whether the JD (S) was in favour of dissolution of the Assembly, Datta said no party including his party, is ready to face mid-term elections.

To a specific question whether the JD (S) would hold hands of the Congress, he said, “Now the issue is not before us but we cannot rule out anything in politics.”