JD(S) keeps Cong, BJP guessing on mayoral polls

The JD(S) is continuing to keep the BJP and Congress guessing on the BBMP mayoral polls. On Saturday, JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy told reporters that his party’s primary demand was the mayor’s post. “The party that offers it will get our support,’’ he said.

The former chief minister said that while he was continuing to hold talks with BJP leader R Ashoka, he was also scheduled to meet Home minister G Parameshwara and KPCC working president Dinesh Gundu Rao. On Saturday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had asked Parameshwara and Rao to meet Kumaraswamy to convince the latter about the tie-up. The meeting, however, did not take place till late in the day. The leaders might meet on Sunday morning.

According to sources, the JD(S) has sought the deputy mayor’s post in addition to  the posts of chairpersons of six standing committees of the BBMP, if its first demand is not met.