The ruling JD(S)-BJP coalition in karnataka tonight appeared to be headed for a breaking point with the BJP asking Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to resign tomorrow and transfer power but it seems unlikely he will do so.

Buoyed by its unexpected but impressive show in elections to urban local bodies, the JD(S) has refused to honour a power-sharing arrangement and party chief H D Deve Gowda, who holds the key, has told the BJP that he needs more time.

The JD(S) said a meeting of its legislators, leaders and executive members would be held here on October 4 and the political affairs committee on October 5 in Delhi to decide on the issue, a clear sign that it was in no mood to keep its commitment.

Making the BJP position clear, its central emissary Yashwant Sinha ruled out further talks with Gowda. “We expect Kumaraswamy to hand over the letter of support to the Governor pledging JD(S) support to BJP to enable (Deputy CM) B S Yediyurappa to form the government,” Sinha told reporters. “There is no further scope for negotiations on power transfer,” he said.

Sinha also indicated that BJP will not wait beyond October 3 for power transfer.

BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu was expected to reach Bangalore tonight from his home state Andhra Pradesh.