Insiders in the BJP say that it is highly unlikely that the JD (S) will hand over power to the BJP. Sources in the BJP told rediff.com that neither will the JD (S) hand over power to the BJP nor will it form a coalition with the Congress.
According to sources, speculations about the JD (S) aligning with the Congress is being fuelled to pressurise the BJP to accept the ruling party's terms and let it continue at the helm of the state.
The JD (S) wants Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to continue in power with BJP leader B S Yediyurappa as the Deputy Chief Minister. BJP sources also say that the JD(S) is also ready to grant more key posts to BJP MLAs if the the party agrees not to disrupt the present power-sharing arrangement
A senior BJP leader said that the party may ultimately have no choice in the matter. If BJP doesn't agree to Kumaraswmay's terms, it will end up losing power in the state.
The leader also said that although Kumaraswamy has assured the BJP that he will keep his word, his party members are pressuring him against it. He added that both the parties may reach an agreement as neither is in favour of mid-term elections.
However, JD (S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda maintains that the power transfer will take place as per schedule. Gowda has said that he will hold talks with senior BJP leaders about the issue and there is no possibility of an alliance with the Congress.
Meanwhile, the Congress is watching the political developments in the state closely. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President Mallikarjuna Kharge has said that there is no question of aligning with either the BJP or the JD (S) and it will fight the elections on its own.
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