BJP fears Congress may put hurdles

Though the Congress is demoralized by the outcome of Karnataka polls, the BJP leadership fears that it could woo the independents to create hurdles in government formation, reports Shekhar Iyer.

Though the Congress is demoralized by the outcome of Karnataka polls, the BJP leadership feared that it could woo the independents to create hurdles in government formation.

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As the BJP parliamentary board authorized approaching the victorious independents numbering five (four Congress rebels and one BJP rebel) to make up for the party falling three short of majority in the Karnataka assembly, BJP leaders feared the Congress would not be a silent by-stander.

Theoretically speaking, the Congress, which has won 80 seats, and the Janata Dal(S) with 28 seats, along with the five independents and a lone CPI(M) MLA also add up to 114 the magic figure needed in the 224-member House to form the government.

A section of BJP leaders suggested that the party should try to split the Janata Dal (S) to ensure three-fourth of its members (say 17 or 18) support BS Yeddyurappa for long term stability.

Some Karnataka Congress leaders did not think that the BJP got a full mandate when the Congress had improved its tally. They were, however, awaiting instruction from the party high command, which may not approve any move that appears to be against the “mood” of the mandate that is in favour of the BJP.

Nevertheless, BJP leaders expect a clearer picture after Yeddyurappa is elected leader of the legislature party and meets Governor Rameshwar Thakur to stake claim to form the government.

BJP general secretary Arun Jaitely said a meeting of the newly-elected MLAs will be held in Bangalore. Jaitley and former BJP President Venkaiah Naidu will attend the meeting as representatives of the Central leadership.