As the power transfer in Karnataka enters its last leg, the Bharatiya Janata Party says it is confident of convincing the Janata Dal (S) to transfer power. Deputy chief minister BS Yediyurappa, who is tipped the next chief minister said, he is sure about a smooth hand-over of power.
He, however, added that they would hold talks with JD(S) only after September 30, the day the results of the urban local bodies are announced.
"At the moment the party is busy with the polls," Yediyurappa said.
However, BJP sources said no transfer of power was likely to happen till October 10 as the customary pitrupaksha or shrad period is on at present. This period is considered inauspicious and many persons do not undertake any important work during this period.
The BJP said that it is confident that the JD(S) would hand over power, but the question is whether it would continue to support the government for long.
"The JD(S) may support us for at least two to three months," said BJP sources.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on the meeting of the BJP leaders which is to be held on Friday in Bangalore. The meeting is expected to decide the further course of action.
BJP sources, however, said the entire drama by the JD(S) had been staged only to bargain for key posts in the Cabinet. They said the JD(S) was keen on the home, revenue and urban development ministries, which otherwise should go to the BJP.
Meanwhile, BJP's Karnataka spokesperson Suresh Kumar said that they would summon tourism minister Sriramulu and seek his explanation on the reported remarks he made against the chief minister. Sriramulu alleged that Kumaraswamy had tried to kill him.
The JD(S) had apparently backed out and said that it would not transfer power to the BJP in the wake of the allegations made by Sriramulu against the chief minister.