JOIN USGiven the fact that JD(S) has 27 MLAs, a simple arithmetic shows that a breakaway faction of the BJP or the BJP itself with a minimum strength of 86 MLAs should join hands with JD(S) to form an alternative government, in case the present political impasse ends in an anticlimax. A party should enjoy the support of at least 113 MLAs in the Assembly to form the government.
However, none of the warring camps in the ruling party is sure of its strength. While Revenue Minister Karunaka Reddy is claiming the support of 75 MLAs, CM’s camp puts its numbers at 73.
As the Congress is keeping off the developments and the JD(S) keeping its fingers crossed, the arithmetic 27+86=113 is being seen as the only possible option for the formation of alternative government. “We are open for all possibilities. We are closely watching the developments. If such a situation arises, we may consider all options,” a senior JD(S) leader said.
Neither JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda nor his son, former CM Kumaraswamy has so far used harsh words while criticising the the BJP government on the political crisis. Gowda, as usual is playing the cards close to his chest.
Gowda knows fully well that he has no role to play at the centre at least for the next four and a half years, nor he is in good terms with the Left. The role of JD(S) is thus largely confined to Karnataka, at least in the near future. Hence, the father-son duo are camping in Delhi closely watching the political developments in the BJP.