Karnataka is back to where it was 20 months ago. Meeting after meeting between the ruling partners -- the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal-Secular -- has failed to break the deadlock. With both the sides refusing to budge, only time will tell if the state will see a mid-term poll.
The two men who are thick in action are BJP state unit president Sadananda Gowda and JD-S leader and former prime minister Deve Gowda. In a hard-hitting interview Sadananda Gowda tells rediff.com's Vicky Nanjappa that the BJP will not settle for anything other than power.
Are you hopeful that the BJP will tide over this crisis?
We are all hopeful. The situation is delicately poised at the moment. The JD-S has called us for talks. Let us see what the outcome is. At the moment, it is difficult to say what they think.
If the talks fail, will you make attempts to pacify the JD-S?
Let us not forget, it is the JD-S which has sought an appointment with us. Deve Gowda wanted to hold talks with the BJP. He has been given an appointment by our national president Rajnath Singh on Saturday. The meeting will be crucial. However, let me make one thing clear. This is their last chance as it will be a make-or-break situation.
There will be no more chances for the JD-S after this. If anything has to come though, then it should happen tomorrow. No further time will be granted.
What will be the line of discussions between Gowda and Singh?
I really do not know what it would be. Let me be frank. I don't even know why he has sought an appointment with our party president. However, I feel he will have some conditions. Both the parties will have to work out a solution.
But can you trust Deve Gowda?
Yes, is a bit difficult to understand Deve Gowda. Nobody can understand what is going on in his mind. However, we are clear about our decision and there is no hidden agenda. Power has to be transferred as was promised and there are no two ways about it.
What about the allegations made by the JD-S against the BJP? And Deve Gowda's conditions?
This is not the time to make allegations. Even we can make allegations. But that will not solve problems. There is no point in making any excuses now. The JD-S has to keep its word and not look for excuses. The conditions laid down by Gowda have not been brought to my notice as yet.
B S Yediyurappa says that he is ready to go in for elections. Do you share the same view?
Everybody is ready for elections. Why does the JD-S or the Congress feel that that only they are ready for polls. We, too, are ready if the need be.
Will the BJP compromise to gain power?
That question does not arise. Why should we compromise? The JD-S had promised that it would hand over power at the end of 20 months. When we gave them support, we did not lay down conditions. So where is the justification in them laying down conditions now? Power has to be transferred as was promised and we will not settle for anything less.
