With BJP govt floundering, Cong looks at fresh election in Karnataka-Oct 11, 2010,

With BJP govt floundering, Cong looks at fresh election in Karnataka

TNN, Oct 11, 2010, 12.40am IST


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NEW DELHI: As the BJP government in Karnataka totters with the possibility of defeat in the confidence motion on Monday looming large, Congress is taking a serious look at fresh elections as the way out of the political muddle in the state.

Congress is keeping its cards close to its chest in the wake of uncertainty over B S Yeddyurappa government's survival. But the possibility of its fall has begun to sink in after reports that the rebel group was holding out despite overtures from the chief minister.

The fall of BJP government would put Congress face to face with the tough decision on next step. H D Deve Gowda's JD(S) hopes that Congress will tie up with it to form the government, preferably with H D Kumaraswamy as chief minister.

While JD(S) has taken a lead in being seen as bringing down the government, Congress has stayed off the controversy. AICC spokesperson Manish Tiwari told reporters, "The `natak' in Karnataka is a reflection of shadow boxing for power between various BJP factions led by Sushma Swaraj, Venkaiah Naidu, Arun Jaitley and Ananth Kumar. We have nothing to do with it."

However, the burden of deciding on post-Yeddyurappa phase will lie with Congress as the Centre will be in charge of the state via President's rule. Also, there cannot be an alternate non-BJP government without Congress.

Sources said Congress is likely to talk to its MLAs for "genuine feedback" before taking a decision. But uppermost on its mind will be fresh elections instead of tying up with JD(S). Past experience of Congress installing its CM with the backing of Deve Gowda, as in the case of Dharam Singh, has not left happy memories either.

Congress may prefer one term of President's rule during which it will try to put its factionalised state unit in order for future electoral battle. BJP's failure to complete its term in power will put Congress in a better position to seek a fresh mandate from people. It was a close finish last time despite Yeddyurappa riding on a sympathy wave following JD(S)'s betrayal.




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