Cong leaders toying with idea of alliance with JD-S

Bengaluru: The Congress and the NCP joining hands with the Shiv Sena in nei-ghbouring Maharashtra to form a government see-ms to have inspired a few Congress leaders in the state to attempt a revival of the party’s partnership with the JD(S) if the BJP fails to get the required number of seats in the December 5 byelections. 

The Yediyurappa government can get a simple majority in the lower House with its 228 seats if it wins from at least eight of the 15 assembly constituencies going to the polls.

It is, however, hoping to win at least 10 of the 15, which are not dominated by the Vokkaligas, who are more partial to its rival parties.  Leading those in the Congress hopeful of reviving the party’s relations with the JD(S) to install a Congress-led coalition government in the state, is former minister, D.K. Shivakumar, who had announced in Chikkaballapur on Thursday that the BJP government in Karnataka would fall post the bypolls. 

Significantly, a day before, JD(S) supremo, H.D. Deve Gowda had remarked that, “Anything can happen, it all depends on AICC president, Sonia Gandhi.” 

It’s no secret that Mr Shivakumar enjoys a good rapport with the Gowda family and should he persuade the Congress high command to swing the pendulum his way, it could be his ticket to becoming CM, say sources. Moreover, they point out that  Mr Deve Gowda is desperate to destroy former chief minister Siddaramaiah politically, and would be open to backing Mr Shivakumar for the top job.