Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)
Bengaluru, Dec 1: It seems that JD(S) and Congress are ready to unite once again after the December 5 by-elections in the state in order to assume power, which was grabbed by BJP by destabilizing their coalition government.
Many Congress leaders of the state have already given indications in this regard. The BJP government, led by CM B S Yediyurappa, needs to win at least six or seven out of the 15 legislative constituency seats in order to continue in power in the state.
File photo
Congress and JD(S), who are believed to be arch rivals, joined together and formed the government after the May 2018 state assembly elections. This government, which had many internal issues, was finally brought down by the 17 MLAs of both parties who sided with BJP. These MLAS were disqualified subsequently. Out of these 17 MLAs, 13 are contesting on BJP ticket in the coming by-elections.
Surprisingly, both Congress and JD(S), who spew venom against each other after the separation and collapse of their coalition government, have shown all signs of joining together if the situation permits them to form government after the by-poll.
Former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda has already put the ball in Congress's court by saying that all will depend on the decision of AICC president Sonia Gandhi.
On Saturday, B K Hariprasad, senior leader of state Congress, also echoed the same tune by saying that the unification of Congress and JD(S) may become a reality after the by-elections. Elaborating on the matter, Hariprasad said, "If 10 to 11 seats are won by Congress out of the possible 15, BJP will be short of majority in the state. In such a scenario, if JD(S) is ready to offer support, Congress will attain power to rule the state." Hariprasad's confidence of an alliance has increased after Deve Gowda's open welcome of the alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in the state of Maharashtra.
Former CM Siddaramaiah also affirmed that Congress will be back in power in the state after the December 5 by-elections. Dr G Parameshwara, former DCM, also said, “BJP government will fall naturally if they do not get the majority of seats. Then both Congress and JD(S) will form government. If this is will not happen, then President's rule will be imposed and midterm polls will be called."
Ramalinga Reddy, one more senior leader of the Congress in Karnataka, has also given his nod for the Congress and JD(S) alliance on Saturday. CM Yediyurappa, however, is hoping that BJP will make it and stay in power for the remaining term of the current legislative assembly.