BJP looks to return to power with JD(S) backing

The party is hoping to touch the 100 seat mark and rely on the JD(S) to retain power. “We don’t mind giving the Dy CM post and important portfolios to JD(S) MLAs’’

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: Ruling BJP leaders seem unperturbed by survey reports which point to a poor show of 60-70 seats in the coming Assembly polls and are hoping that once Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah go around the State addressing a series of public rallies, the bleak scenario will change.

Most surveys have given the Congress party a majority in the coming polls “There is a difference of only a few seats between the two national parties. We can form the next government with the help of the Janata Dal (Secular) which is likely to get around 20-25 of the total 224 Assembly seats”, said a former BJP MLC on the condition of anonymity while expressing confidence that the party will return to power.

Congress leaders are euphoric after seeing the turnout of people for preelection rallies addressed by Leader of the Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah. But BJP leaders on the other hand contend that while people enjoy the speeches by politicians, they would think twice before voting for them.

Explaining his logic, this leader said that in 2013, the BJP won 40 seats despite its senior leader and former CM, B.S.Yediyurappa quitting and floating a regional party. Yediyurappa’s party won 13 seats then while the regional party started by Scheduled Tribe leader, B.Sriramulu won two or three seats.

This proves that the BJP can win 60-plus seats in the worst situation. He also feels that Congresmen are too optismistic with the internal squabbles over the CM’s post between Siddaramaiah and KPCC President D.K.Shivakumar likely to take its toll of seats.

The BJP leaders are also hoping for a repeat of the ‘Gujarat’ scenario where despite facing anti-incumbency, the BJP won a huge majority due to the campaigns by Modi and Shah. The party is hoping to touch the 100 seat mark and then rely on the JD(S) to retain power. “We don’t mind giving the Deputy CM post and important portfolios to JD(S) MLAs but don’t want the Congress to come to power at any cost”, the ex-MLC said.