However, a day after all its ministers resigned from the coalition government to pressurise the JD(S) to hand over the baton of power, a ray of hope emerged in the BJP camp.

The hope came in the form of news about talks between BJP National President Rajnath Singh and JD(S) leader H D Deve Gowda during the latter’s visit to New Delhi on Friday.

The talk in the party circles is that Mr Gowda would relent and allow transfer of power in the next couple of days albeit with some conditions. However, the BJP has already made it clear that there would be no further talks with the JD (S) on the “three pillars” of the power-sharing agreement: Transfer of power as agreed, Chief Ministership for B S Yediyurappa and subsequent change in the ministers’ portfolios.

Speaking to reporters at his residence, Mr Yediyurappa, who is waiting for last 20 months to occupy the CM gaddi, said his party had followed coalition dharma and had extended support to the JD(S). Mr Yediyurappa said he had maintained silence about the transfer of power issue till the October 2 deadline as requested by the JD(S).  “We will wait for another two days as requested by the JD(S) before taking our next course of action”, he said.
 
However, he sounded optimistic that the JD(S) would transfer power as promised. “I have great respect for Mr Kumaraswamy and Mr Deve Gowda. I resigned on Tuesday as per the agreement reached 20 months back. I am sure power transfer will happen”, Mr Yediyurappa said.

Mr Yediyurappa left for a pilgrimage in Tiptur in Tumkur district.
Another party national leader Venkaiah Naidu appeared to be even more confident about the power transfer. He, however, ruled out any negotiations.

Meanwhile, BJP troubleshooter Yeshwant Sinha  left for New Delhi accompanied by party National General Secretary Ananth Kumar. They will be participating in the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting in New Delhi on Thursday where the issue of power transfer will be discussed.

Mr Yediyurappa and BJP State chief D V Sadananda Gowda will also participate.


DOSTI ISSUE

Cong divided
Differences have cropped up among the State Congress leaders over the issue of extending support to the JD(S) after the latter severs its ties with the BJP.

According to reliable sources, while the “old Congress group” is watching the political developments and having an “open mind” on again joining hands with the JD(S), the “new group of leaders” are totally opposed to any such move.

Meanwhile, according to Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly N Dharam Singh, AICC General Secretary Prithviraj Chavan is arriving at Bangalore on October 6 to take stock of the political situation. Mr Singh said that Congress leaders were waiting for the return of AICC President Sonia Gandhi from the USA.