A day before floor test, BJP govt in Karnataka runs into trouble

A day before the crucial floor test of the BJP-JD(S) government, the JD(S) legislative party insisted that its partner BJP abide by the 10 conditions laid down by former prime minister Deve Gowda.

On Sunday, the JD(S) legislative party passed a resolution to support the BJP in the floor test only if the conditions were implemented.

Gowda reportedly told the party legislators that it was mandatory for the BJP to follow the conditions specified by him.

"Gowda is keen that the conditions are not diluted by the BJP. We are hopeful that the BJP will fall in line," a senior JD(S) leader said.

After the legislative party meeting, former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy met Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and held a marathon discussion.

Both leaders told reporters after the meeting that the issues had been "sorted out". However, Yeddyurappa declined to comment when asked if the BJP would follow the 10 conditions.

The BJP's national leaders have reportedly directed the state leaders not to toe a soft line in handling the JD(S). The BJP held its legislative party meeting late in the evening today. The JD(S) is expected to hold another legislative party meeting on Monday morning.

The floor test is scheduled for 11 am on Monday. As many as 129 legislators, including 79 of the BJP, three independents and the rest from the JD(S) are supporting the new coalition government.

In the 225-member Assembly, support of 113 MLAs is required to form the government.