Buzz of JD(S) and BJP patch-up as bypolls near

BENGALURU: The recent statements of JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy taking a soft stand on chief minister BS Yediyurappa, has led to speculation that the two political rivals may patch up and come together.
Days after the father-son duo spoke in favour of the BJP, Yediyurappa on Thursday said that he shared an amicable relationship with the former PM. He, however, refused to elaborate on the recent phone conversation that is said to have taken place between him and the JD (S) chief. “My relationship with Deve Gowda is good. I cannot talk more about it to the media,” he told reporters in Haveri on Thursday.

The comments of the two prominent JD(S) leaders has now triggered curiosity over the party’s stand on the BJP regime. They have apparently comforted the CM, too, who is concerned over the outcome of the December 5 bypolls.

It all began with Kumaraswamy, who preceded Yediyurappa as CM, stating that he would not want the BJP government to fall when farmers in Karnataka are in deep distress. Since then he has made many statements expressing support to Yediyurappa, justifying his remarks saying they should not force another election upon the beleaguered state.

Although, initially conflicting signals emerged from the JD(S) with Gowda saying that the BJP’s central leadership prefers to go for fresh polls to running an unstable government, a lot has changed since then. The latest development follows bitter rivalry between Gowda-Kumaraswamy and Congress leader Siddaramaiah.

On Wednesday, Gowda took everyone by surprise when he said that he wants the current BJP government to complete the full term. And then, in what is seen as an indication of the JD(S) likely to extend support to the BJP, Gowda said that “there were no permanent enemies in politics”.

“I cannot allow Yediyurappa’s government fall. Let him continue as chief minister for the next three and a half years,” Gowda said. He also admitted to have spoken to Yediyurappa on the phone, but maintained that the conversation was pertaining to a routine work and they did not talk politics.

While the BJP government is in a comfortable position at present, analysts say the scenario might change after the December 5 bypolls to 15 assembly segments. If the BJP fails to win the required seats, the party may look out for the JD(S) support. And the JD(S) which is facing internal issues with many legislators trying to rebel against the party leadership, is seeing an opportunity in supporting the BJP and keep its flock intact.