Hyderabad: Accusing Congress of "playing dirty politics" to prevent BJP from coming to power in Karnataka, senior saffron party leader M Venkaiah Naidu today demanded the state Governor invite BJP-JD(S) combine to form government without delay.

"BJP demands that the Centre without delaying and without resorting to its old habit of doing dirty politics should follow the democratic principles and Constitutional provisions with regard to formation of a popular government in Karnataka," he told reporters here.

As per Constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court judgement in the S R Bommai case, there is no option before the Governor other than inviting the BJP-JD(S) combine to form the government in the state and he should do so immediately, Naidu said.

"Twenty-four hours have passed since we gave our representation to the Governor signed by the presidents of both the parties as well as the legislature party leaders. BJP is the single largest party. There is no other option left for the Governor," Naidu stated. "The Governor should have sent a report to the Centre by now. The Centre should hold an emergency Cabinet meeting and recommend revocation of President s rule and formation of a popular government."

The BJP is apprehensive of the UPA Government's intentions as Congress "habitually" tries to subvert the mandate of the people, the former party chief said.

"We have seen how Congress played dirty politics in Goa and Jharkhand. Now, they are encouraging dissensions in JD(S). To prevent Congress machinations, we have accepted the JD(S) invitation to form government."

Source : PTI