Bangalore: The change of Governor for Karnataka, which appeared imminent on Thursday, is now stated to have been put on hold and is likely only by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the Janata Dal (Secular), which apparently has been rudely shaken by the developments following the change of stance in the Congress in relation to the continuance of the coalition government in Karnataka, has also decided to call the shots albeit only after the AICC plenary session scheduled in Hyderabad on January 21, 22 and 23. In the view of the top leadership of the Janata Dal (S), little purpose is served by being hasty and it would be better to play a waiting game.

The Janata Dal (S) has called for a national executive meeting in Bangalore tentatively on February 7 and would take stock of the political developments. The party would thereafter announce its decision — vis-à-vis the continuance of its understanding with the Congress. It is being stated that the Janata Dal (S) is also upset over the manner in which the Congress is looking forward to an understanding with the AIPJD.

Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh, who returned here on Thursday night soon after his meeting with AICC President Sonia Gandhi, has refuted the reports pertaining to change of Governor. However, Congress sources told The Hindu that a change at the Raj Bhavan was very much on the cards, but had now been rescheduled for certain reasons. However, it is being stated that Mr. Dharam Singh has so far not been consulted on changing the Governor.

BJP reaction

The Congress is also watching the reaction in the State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (S) over the "announcement" pertaining to the change of Governor. There is still a lurking fear in the Congress that the Janata Dal (S) would enter into an understanding with the BJP, irrespective of the fact that the former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (S) President H.D. Deve Gowda has firmly ruled out such a tie-up and is known for his anti-BJP stance.

KPCC President M. Mallikarjun Kharge, who is keen on mid-term elections in the State and is of the view that it is the opportune time for the party to opt for elections, has stayed back in New Delhi to hold discussions with senior Congress leaders.

The BJP is also in a state of confusion over the reports on mid-term elections in the State. While one section is of the view that the party should gear up for the elections with immediate effect, yet another section would like to enter into a discussion with the Janata Dal (S) on forming an alternative government.

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