Speaking to Deccan Herald on Thursday, Mr Ashok said that he has decided to return to Congress keeping in mind his political career and there is no second thought about his decision.

About 19 months ago, CM H D Kumaraswamy himself had declared that H S Ashok was joining JD(S) at a programme in Kushalnagar.

Now Mr Ashok’s decision of supporting Congress has come as a surprise in the entire political arena.

As an independent candidate Ashok rose to power in 2005 December with the support of BJP-JD(S) as the coalition candidates got only 14 seats each, thus keeping Congress away from  power.

Amidst this inspite of all efforts from Ashok to continue as the ZP president for second term for the next 20 months, with the change in the President-Vice-President reservations, he is compelled to get down from the power inevitably.

For the second phase, the President’s position is reserved for general catagory (woman) and vice-president’s post is reserved for Scheduled Caste. With the death of ZP member Sundaramma the strength of BJP-JD(S) coalition has reduced to 13 and hence supporting Congress could be a profitable venture for Ashok as Congress still has 14 seats in hand.

“My father and me had worked for Congress party and it is my belief that joining Congress will do me good. At the present political scenario all is not right in JD(S) district unit. Hence I have taken the firm decision of joining Congress,” he added.

Mr Ashok also said that it is quite sure that BJP-JD(S) coalition rule in ZP will come to an end on September 19. But while Ashok is making talks of supporting Congress, the names of Dhirgakeshi Shivanna and Rajamma Rudraiah is being heard as Congress candidates for ZP President and Vice-President’s post respectively.