BJP DRAMA IN GOA - KARNATAKA TO GOA

PANJIM: The main political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) on Friday continued to jostle to win over the dissident Karnataka legislators now camping in a five star resort in South Goa for the second straight day, even as no end appeared in sight to the ongoing political crisis in the neigbouring state.

According to reports emanating from the sources in both the camps, hard bargaining continued throughout the day with both parties and the dissidents failed to arrive at any result. The Janata Dal (Secular) leader, Mr H D Kumaraswamy left for Bangalore late in the evening, even as the leader of opposition in the state, Mr Manohar Parrikar continued marathon talks with the dissidents that continued till late in the night.

Mr Kumaraswamy told the journalists outside the resort that he was hopeful in "achieving" success in his mission and that dissident legislators camping in the resort were expected to vote against the BJP government led by Mr B S Yeddyurappa during confidence vote. Stating that he had some engagement in Bangalore, he said nothing more should be read into his departure from the state.

The top brass of the state BJP unit on Friday finally managed to break the ice and convince the dissident BJP MLAs from Karnataka not to desert the present BJP government in the neighbouring state.

The North Goa MP and the former state president of the party, Mr Shripad Naik said late Friday evening that three successful rounds of talks were held between the state BJP leaders and the rebel BJP MLAs during the day. "We managed to convince them and also learnt about their demands," he said, adding that these demands were immediately put up before the central leadership of the party as well as Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr B S Yeddyurappa. "The final round of talks still continues into late night," Mr Naik said, adding that the things would be completely sorted out by October 9. He also stated that once the grievances of the dissident MLAs are totally addressed, the state BJP would present these MLAs before the media.

While nearly 200 supporters of BJP from Karnataka who were camping outside the resort waited eagerly for a breakthrough in the talks, scores of people owing allegiance to the dissident leaders were heard saying that their leaders would not give in to the demands of the BJP unless it agreed to change Mr Yeddyurappa from the leadership in Karnataka.

Scores of vehicles carrying close aides of the MLAs staying in hotel were seen moving in and out. The big crowds outside and possibility of unruly behaviour prompted the hotel management to close the entry gate to the hotel and the clients were let in and out through the exit gate in presence of heavy police force. The security arrangements outside the hotel were being overseen by South Goa Superintendent of Police, Mr Allen De Sa. (NT)