JD(S) hopes to make the most if it’s a split verdict

BENGALURU: With the countdown having begun for the results of the May 10 Assembly election, hectic politicking is on in Karnataka. While many exit polls have predicted that the Congress will gain majority, the Janata Dal (Secular) is hoping to emerge as a game changer in the event of a hung Assembly. Party leader H D Kumaraswamy had already indicated that the JD(S) will play the role of a ‘king’ and has indicated his willingness to tie up with other parties to form a government.

But Kumaraswamy has sent out a clear message that whichever party aligns with the JD(S), they should agree to his conditions and demands as he does not want a repeat of the past ‘mistakes’.

Among the conditions set by the JD(S) are chief minister’s post along with other important portfolios like water resources department, energy and public works department (PWD). Kumaraswamy has also stressed that there should be no interference of ally’s high command in the coalition government and there will be no co-ordination committee to run the coalition government.

Kumaraswamy has also stated that no restrictions should be imposed while making any decision and that the ally should give freedom to JD(S) to take any decision. The manifesto of the JD(S) should be accepted without questions and the alliance partner should not interfere in the Old Mysore region, which is a JD(S) stronghold, he said.

After the exit polls, all the three parties are drawing up plans in the event of a hung House. The JD(S) plans to make the best of the opportunity this time around.