Karnataka: JD-S wants BJP to sign MoU

Is the support to the Bharatiya Janata Party from the Janata Dal-Secular in Karnataka unconditional?

Although several JD-S leaders had said so, it does not seem that way.

A new clause by the JD-S has put the BJP in a spot of bother.

The JD-S is now saying that both parties should sign a memorandum of understanding before the government could be formed.

JD-S spokesperson Danish Ali said that it is wrong for the BJP to think that support is unconditional.

The MoU states that the JD-S wants the BJP to ensure that minorties are taken care of in Karnataka and at no point of time should communal harmony be disrupted.

The JD-S also wants the BJP to protect the secular image of the party.

Further, the JD-S has also stated that both parties will part ways in the event of Lok Sabha polls being declared.

Apart from this, the JD-S has certain other conditions that it wants the BJP to fulfill, including the ouster of Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Ltd, the implementation of the controversial Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project.

The MoU also has certain clauses, which include the sharing of portfolios, source told rediff.com.

While the JD-S insists that the MoU has to be signed before the formation of the government could take place, the BJP is now pondering on how to go about it? There were hectic discussions since morning regarding the MoU in the BJP camp.

However, no decision has been taken by the BJP regarding the same.

Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu is studying the conditions laid down by the JD-S and is expected to take a decision on the same by Friday.

Meanwhile, several JD-S leaders are camping in New Delhi to monitor the situation.

A JD-S member said that there should be no problem in forming the government.

However, this would be a reality only if the BJP signs the MoU and President's rule is revoked.

The Congress in Karnataka, which feels that elections are the best option has not given up hopes as yet.

They are hopeful that the President would refer the matter to the Supreme Court, which will take a final call on the issue.