In a chat with Deccan Herald at his official bungalow, soon after handing over his as well as the party ministers’  resignation letters to the CM, Mr Yediyurappa said “ we have taken what we feel is an appropriate step. Now it is left to the CM to decide. If the situation arises, we are prepared for facing elections”.

Mr Yediyurappa will be leaving for Delhi on Wednesday to participate in the BJP’s Parliamentary Board meeting to be held on October 4.

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

Was your resignation warranted?

 Yes. I had repeatedly stated that I would not continue for a single minute in office as DyCM after October 2. Moreover as per the agreement, the Chief Minister should have handed over power to us, which he is not prepared to do.

 What was the CM’s reaction when you handed over the resignation letters?

I was alone with the CM when I handed over the resignation letters. I took a few minutes to explain the reasons for taking this decisive step. Mr Kumaraswamy, who smilingly received the letters, asked me to wait till October 5 to make his stand clear on the issue.

There are rumours that the JD(S) is trying for the Congress’ support. What’s your reaction?

 We are not bothered about that; let them do whatever they want.

The CM has alleged that the BJP was trying to precipitate the issue by handing over the resignation letters. Comment.

It’s totally incorrect. Did Mr Kumaraswamy not know that he has to transfer power to us on October 3? I maintained a studied silence on the power transfer issue when  Mr Kumaraswamy asked me to shut up.

The CM is also of the view that the BJP has not broached the power transfer issue with him but it is only discussing the issue in the media.

It’s absolutely wrong. We time and again reminded him of the agreement reached between us. Moreover Mr Yashwant Sinha, who has specially come for this purpose, has met Deve Gowda and discussed the issue. What more should we do? When a senior leader like Mr Yashwant Sinha is in City to discuss the power transfer issue, is it not his (Kumaraswamy’s) duty to invite him for talks?