MCC: JD(S)-BJP alliance this time?

After ZP, both parties are likely to hold reins of city corporation

Mysore City Corporation (MCC) this time may throw up a surprise. Traditional rivals the JD(S) and the BJP may forge an alliance to hold the reins of the civic body, with Congress resolving not to continue its alliance with the JD(S).

Political circles in the city are abuzz with possibilities of an alliance between the arch rivals. Like Mysore ZP, where both the parties have an understanding over power sharing, MCC may see an extension. A corporator from saffron party could become a mayor in the opening term, also a first in MCC.

Adding credence to this, medical education and district in-charge minister S A Ramdas on Friday said that the party would tie up with any party other than Congress. A marriage with Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) is also ruled out, as it had a pact with Congress, the minister added.

Early in the day, Mysore and Kodagu MP A H Vishwanath had organised a meeting of newly elected corporators of the party at his office on the premises of the Government Guest House.

It was eventually decided at the meeting to maintain distance from the JD(S). Instead, the party will sit in opposition.

This move by the Congress is in view of the upcoming Assembly polls. In the recently concluded urban local body (ULB) elections, the JD(S) had emerged nearest rival for the Congress. In the city corporation too, though Congress leads with 22 corporators, the JD(S) is just two corporators down with 20 seats.

While the BJP finished third, winning 12 of the total 65 wards. By snapping its ties with the JD(S), the Congress wants to consolidate its votes in the old Mysore region, which is a JD(S) stronghold.

If the total votes are taken into account, Congress has in its kitty, 25 seats (one MP, two MLAs, 22 corporators); the JD(S) has 23 (20 corporators plus three MLCs), while the BJP has 16 seats (12 corporators, two MLAs and two MLCs).

The JD(S) and the BJP combine will the count to 39 votes, against Congress’ 25. In the 65 member council, a party needs 33 and above votes to hold mayorship and deputy mayorship. Its too early to say on seven independents, two SDPI and one KJP corporator on which side they are going to support.