The BJP high command has asked its Karnataka leadership to negotiate a dilution of the 12-point pre-nuptial agreement sought by Janata Dal Secular national president H D Deve Gowda in order to forge a renewed alliance.

Sources in the BJP said preliminary talks had been conducted with a member of the Gowda family seeking dilution of at least four conditions. “We have not agreed to the conditions and are still in the process of discussion. Finally, it will be a decision that has to be taken by the national party leaders,” BJP sources said.

The imposition of conditions by Gowda has put the BJP in a bind and created pressure within the state unit to oppose the conditions even at the cost of having its first shot at power in South India. Gowda’s condition that the alliance must end if General Elections were announced has in particular created doubts in the BJP over the move to go in for a short-term alliance.

On Friday, Kumaraswamy argued that no “unconditional support” had been offered to the BJP for formation of a Government in the state. His party had in its letter to the Governor only expressed willingness to support a BJP-led Government headed by B S Yediyurappa and Gowda’s 12-point suggestion for a conducive marriage, Kumaraswamy stated.

In Delhi, BJP chief Rajnath Singh said his party has no plans to respond immediately to Dewe Gowda’s letter. Gowda has himself said the issues will be discussed and agreed upon once the Governor invites BJP leader B S Yediyurappa to form the Government, Singh told The Indian Express. “Let President’s Rule be revoked and the Governor invite the BJP-JD(S) combine to form a Government,” said Singh.

... contd.