Congress against rescuing JD(S)

The Congress has decided not to rescue HD Deve Gowda's JD(S), which is in the midst of a power struggle with the BJP, its ally in the Karnataka government. It instead wants fresh elections in the state.

"Why should we share the anti-incumbency sentiment against the Kumaraswamy government? Our experience with the JD(S) discourages us from forming another government with them," said a top state Congress leader.

Initially, a section of the Congress was in favour of providing outside support and getting concessions from the Kumarswamy government. But the majority feel providing oxygen to the government will be a mistake and the party should get power on its own.

In fact, after the Uttar Pradesh experiment a few months ago, where the Congress decided to fight without allies, the mood in the party is against alliances as far as possible.

"We don't have a role to play at this moment. However, we are evaluating the situation," said Congress spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan.

The JD(S) also didn't sound confident about support from the Congress. "As of now, there is no such thing on the agenda," said spokesman Danish Ali.

AICC General Secretary Prithviraj Chavan has also counselled wait and watch. "We are watching the situation and have not taken any decision on the course of action," he said.

The thinking in the Congress is that the party will gain if elections are held soon. "There is a good chance we may come to power on our own," said a senior leader.

Despite poor showing in the urban local body polls, the Congress appears confident. "Such polls are fought on local issues, which may not be valid in the Assembly elections," said a senior leader.