Cong, JD(S) join hands
In an attempt to contain the ruling BJP, the State units of the Congress and the JD (S) on Sunday struck an alliance ahead of the forthcoming elections to the State legislative council.
While the Congress will field candidates in 17 council seats, the JD(S) will try its luck in eight constituencies. But both parties have not released the lists of their candidates. The BJP will give final touches to its list on Monday.
The Congress and the JD(S) on Sunday issued “B” forms to their respective candidates so that they could file the nominations on or before December 1.
The Congress and the JD(S) had a tacit understanding when the byelections were held about a year ago for four council seats. But this time, they have entered into a pre-poll alliance.
The Congress high command had favoured a tie-up with the JD(S) in the last Lok Sabha elections. But the State Congress leaders had opposed it. However, realising that it cannot take on the BJP on its own, the Congress has now joined the JD(S), which was eagerly awaiting a call for a tie-up.
Interestingly, sitting MLC and Leader of the Opposition V S Ugrappa is not contesting this time. Dr Hulinaikar is the JD(S) candidate from Tumkur.
In Bangalore Rural, it is going to be a “friendly fight” between the two parties. Leaders of both parties would campaign jointly, it is said. The BJP which is always ahead of its rivals while announcing candidates for elections, is buying time in this poll. The ruling party is said to be waiting for the Congress and the JD(S) to come out with their lists of candidates before finalising its own list. The Congress and the JD (S) are hoping to cash in on the differences between Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and the Bellary brothers.
“The BJP will be demoralised if it fails to perform well. Also, if the Congress and the JD (S) combine manages to win at least 15 seats, it will boost the morale of the leaders of both parties to face the coming local body elections,” a Congress leader said.
