JD(S) fares well in local polls, puts off meeting with BJP

The crisis between the Janata Dal (S) and the BJP in Karnataka over transfer of power in the state just got a twist with a surprise local body poll result.

Deve Gowda's Janata Dal (S) got a thumbs up in the local body polls in the state and the senior leader is citing this as an example of the people's confidence in the stewardship of his son H D Kumaraswamy. The JD(S) leader has called for a party legislative meet tomorrow in Bangalore.

As the reports of JD(S) performance in the polls started coming in, Gowda put off a meeting with BJP State Prabhari Yashwant Sinha to discuss transfer of power.

Sources confirmed that the two met two days ago at Kumaraswamy's private residence in Bangalore. At this meeting, Gowda told Sinha that the public opinion seemed to be in favour of his son and that he did not think Yediurappa could take over successfully. At this, Sinha reportedly remained quiet.

The BJP had consistently held that the local body polls would vindicate its position.

The surprise result, with JD(S) at number one and the BJP trailing at number three after the Congress, has reduced the party's bargaining power even more.

"Kumaraswamy's village visits and his public hearings have made him popular. Even if he is unable to do anything, people feel he at least listens to them," said a senior BJP leader in the state.

"The local body polls have reduced our options, and now Deve Gowda will cite this as an example of the mandate enjoyed by his party and his son to rule," he added.

The Congress, which has come second in the polls, is also disappointed. Some senior leaders are alleging rigging by the JD(S) in order to garner bargain points with the BJP. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Mallikarjun Kharge's Gulbarga seat has also gone the JD(S) way, and this is being cited to boost the allegations.