The BJP took out a rally against the JD(S) across the state. BJP leaders termed JD(S) leaders as betrayers.

However, the party has accepted to join hands with the JD(S) once again. Former Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has claimed that the BJP is joining with the JD(S) only to avoid Congress coming to power.

Here are the excerpts from the interaction he had with the media on Saturday.

Q: What made you to go with the JD(S), against which you led a state-wide rally?
BSY: If the JD(S) had handed-over power as per the agreement soon after completion of 20 months we would not have taken out the rally at all. However, now they have realised it. It is victory of the Dharmayatra conducted by the BJP.

How  did the developments take shape?
Let me clarify. The party’s first priority was to face elections. But recent developments prompted the party to take this move. The Congress tried to form the government by illegal means.

Being the single largest party the BJP cannot be a mute spectator to such developments.

The JD(S) approached us and expressed its willingness to form the coalition once again. After consulting senior leaders of the party we decided to form the government.

You are going with party leaders whom you called betrayers.
It is inevitable. There is no alternative. We are joining hands with the JD(S) once again only to avoid the Congress coming to power.

Are you hopeful that the Governor will invite the BJP to form government?
The party is hopeful that the Governor will consider our claim. I hope the Governor being a learned person will go by the law of the land.

What will be the priorities of your government?
We have given good governance with the JD(S) in the last 20 months. Our priority will be development of the state.