But it is wary of jumping some constitutional steps that would have to be gone through before fresh election also emerges as the inevitable next step.     

However, the party leadership chose to maintain a studied silence about its political course. The reason given for not revealing its card was that the BJP had not yet approached State Governor Rameshwar Thakur to formally communicate its decision to pull out of its coalition.

“Why should we make any comment in a hurry? After all, the BJP has only announced here (in Delhi) its decision to withdraw support to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. They (BJP) could have conveyed that decision to the Governor today itself. Let us wait until they go to the Governor and convey that decision. We will wait that to happen,” said AICC general secretary Prithviraj Chavan here Saturday evening.

This view was echoed by several other senior party functionaries who were attending an Iftar party hosted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here.

A dominant section of central leaders from the State too share similar views.

In part, the reluctance to  reveal its cards in a hurry is also attributable to sharp divisions among State Congress leaders and legislators.

Many Congress leaders are understood to have conveyed to the Central leadership their hesitations about facing early elections.  “Barring a dozen leaders and legislators, others do not want elections,” said one State Congress leader.

As reluctant as they are about fighting an early assembly election, those opposing the poll course also are equally enthusiastic about wresting an opportunity to be back in government.

Chavan set for B’lore
At this stage, the Central leadership is not giving too much weightage to those favouring revival the ties with the JD(S). But Congress General Secretary in charge of Karnataka affairs Prithviraj Chavan is expected to rush to Bangalore soon after the BJP formally conveys its decision to the Governor.