HD Kumaraswamy’s Singapore trip leads to speculation ahead of D-day

JDS chief and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s trip to Singapore hours after polls ended on Saturday has led to political speculation in the post poll parleys.

Most exit poll predictions have indicated a hung Assembly and the BJP and the Congress have started negotiations on the formation of the Government. Kumaranna, he is known as is expected to play a key role and cherishes an ambition to become Chief Minister for the second time.

This is scenario might also lead to revival of JDS which is known as a family party controlled by former Prime Minister HD Devegowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy. His sudden trip to Singapore at this juncture has led to speculation in the political circles and some of the leaders say already negotiations have started towards formation of a Government. However a JDS leader told The Pioneer that Kumaraswamy has gone there for some rest and treatment. He said JDS leader will be back from Singapore on the mid night of Saturday and will be there in Bengaluru on the D-day to witness the counting of votes.

Most exit polls have predicted hung House, with the JDS likely to emerge as kingmaker in the 224-member Assembly. Republic TV-Jan Ki Baat and ABP-C Voter predicted that the BJP will emerge as the single largest party by bagging 104 and 104-116 seats, respectively. The two news channels gave the incumbent Congress 78 and 83-94 seats, and the JDS 37 and 20-29 seats, respectively. Any party or alliance will need the support of 112 MLAs to form the new Government in the 224 member house.

A Congress leader on the condition of anonymity said his party has started consultations on formation of the Government in case of a fractured mandate. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said on Sunday that he was ready to step aside  for a Dalit as Chief Minister if the party high command decides as the Chief Minister. This according to political leaders in the century old party indication of Congress ready to negotiate with JDs and its leaders without Siddaramaiah not being in the saddle.

Sources say Siddaramaiah’s removal from Chief Ministership could be a possible rider for Deve Gowda to extend his support to the Congress. The party’s prominent Dalit faces include G Parameshwara, Mallikarjun Kharge and HC Mahadevappa.

In another development the confidant BJP is hoping to form the Government on its own but they are also preparing for looking at JDs in case of a fractured mandate.