In a sign of impending change in the political equations in Karnataka, former Chief Minister and JDS chief HD Kumarswamy (HDK) recently hinted at the possibility of the BJP allying with the JD(S) ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. in 2024. While making a shocking claim in Assembly, he admitted that he didn't accepted the offer made by none less than the Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself years ago that he would be made Chief Minister for four years if he toe his line. By refusing the PM's offer he repented of a great loss politically. Otherwise, he felt that today's political scenario would have been a different one and Congress would not have made a come back. He felt that any thing can happen in politics any time. This is a clear indication that aligning with BJP is still in his mind and he is very soft towards that party. The question is whether it will a merger or tie up?
Yediyurappa welcomes
Whatever JDS chief HDK is saying is absolutely true and I want to support his statement, Yediyurappa said, referring to Kumaraswamy's remark on Karnataka having its own 'Ajit Pawar' moment. That BJP and JDS in all probabilities may come together to topple this Cong government any time. But it is not an easy Joke to get about 28 MLA's support. Either they have to make one more operation or wait for an opportunity like that happened in Maharashtra.
Cimbined fight by BJP & JDS
Kumaraswamy and the BJP will fight together in the future. Local leaders cannot say anything on this as they have been kept in dark about these dealings, the Central leadership will decide about it. But the developments indicate a positive signal for such an alliance. Referring to the NCP split in Maharashtra, Kumaraswamy said: "Anything can happen in Karnataka. An 'Ajit Pawar' type of person may emerge. This development may happen by this year end or after Parliament elections."
Corruption charges against Congress in Assembly
After suffering a humiliating defeat in the state elections, the JDS has been relentlessly attacking the new Congress government which it has called corrupt to the core. He made a serious allegation of transfer corruption in the Assembly by giving statistics of rate for different posts in agriculture department. This is not surprising phenomenon in any government's working. This allegation was supported by the BJP on the floor of the house. While debating on governor's address HDK made a scathing attack on SiddaKumar's double bull sarkar for what hr described as anti people measures. However while making a reply to motion of thanks Chief Minister Siddaramaiah thrashed these allegations as ridiculous and challenged to quit politics if they are proved. He made it clear that in his four decades of political life he has never entertained cash for transfers.
BJP favours merger; JDS wants tie-up
Delhi stalwarts wants total merger of JDS with BJP as it doesn't want to leave a chance for its rejuvenation. But JDS wanted to maintain its clutches in Karnataka keeping in view the future poltics. But as of today JDS is wornout completely and its difficult for the party to make any headway. This tussel is holding both the parties to come to a conclusion. As BJP is struggling to strengthen its old NDA inview of disastrous debacle in Karnataka. BJP has won 26 seats in last Lok Sabha elections and present trend remains very grim for the party. At this speed of Congress government which is milles ahead, BJP may not even win 10 seats and JDS one seat. However, it will be gain for JDS and loss for BJP if you go whichever way. In this exercise Kumaraswamy may become Leader of the Opposition if it is merger or going to central cabinet if it is an alliance. But it is true that both the parties are seriously negotiating on sharing of Lok Sabha seats. JDS claim of 6 seats is far from reality of winning. However it is the question of that party's survival and for BJP nothing is clear. Very first session of the Karnataka Legislature ended with unprecedented vacancy of Leader of Opposition in both the houses. Forget about appointing a new state president. Let its high command set it right immediately or it will go down further in peoples eyes.
(Dr Mysi Patil is the State Correspondent)
Dr Mysi Patil 
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