The general elections are almost over and it's time to look for friends so that one can work up alliances. But, the Congress, it appears, seem to be losing friends rather than gaining them. In most states, instead of joining hands with the Congress, the non-BJP parties are shunning the party. Dramatic developments are happening in Karnataka, where a minority Janata Dal (Secular) heads the state government with Congress Party's support.
The Congress-JDS alliance has always been far from smooth. It has always been bumpy. Congress leader and former CM Siddaramayya has never reconciled to a JDS government. He has of late been giving enough indications that he is ready to step into the shoes of Kumaraswamy and take reins of power in Karnataka.
These developments have caused disquiet in the JDS and the party is now trying to move away from the Congress. JDS has enough numbers to help others form the Government. They can help either the Congress or the BJP. They are with the Congress only because the party offered them chief minister's post. With the BJP, they would have to play second fiddle and be content with deputy CM post. Sources close to JDS say that the party is ready to take the Deputy CM post and work under the leadership of the BJP. The sources also revealed that Kumaraswamy would be made a minister at the Centre, while Revanna will be made the deputy CM. If this works out, then the Congress is all set to lose another state from its kitty. For the JDS, it's adieu to a pesky friend, who is more a tormenter and less a chum. Also, it's double benefit for them as Devegowda's both sons can be honourably accommodated.
The Congress-JDS alliance has always been far from smooth. It has always been bumpy. Congress leader and former CM Siddaramayya has never reconciled to a JDS government. He has of late been giving enough indications that he is ready to step into the shoes of Kumaraswamy and take reins of power in Karnataka.
These developments have caused disquiet in the JDS and the party is now trying to move away from the Congress. JDS has enough numbers to help others form the Government. They can help either the Congress or the BJP. They are with the Congress only because the party offered them chief minister's post. With the BJP, they would have to play second fiddle and be content with deputy CM post. Sources close to JDS say that the party is ready to take the Deputy CM post and work under the leadership of the BJP. The sources also revealed that Kumaraswamy would be made a minister at the Centre, while Revanna will be made the deputy CM. If this works out, then the Congress is all set to lose another state from its kitty. For the JDS, it's adieu to a pesky friend, who is more a tormenter and less a chum. Also, it's double benefit for them as Devegowda's both sons can be honourably accommodated.