Karnataka bypolls: Congress, Janta Dal (Secular) hint at alliance again

Byelections to 15 Assembly seats in Karnataka are barely
three days away, but the Congress and the JDS which had a bitter parting of
ways in July are once again hinting at sewing up a partnership in case the BJP
falls short of the minimum number of seats required to retain power.

Of 15 constituencies, BJP needs to win at least seven for
CM BS Yediyurappa’s government to survive.

Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah said his
party will win at least 12 seats and come back to power. But Congress will
still fall short of a simple majority and will not be able to form a government
without the support of its former partner. Congress’ Rajya Sabha member BK
Hariprasad said on Saturday: “The Congress will win 10-11 seats. If the party
High Command decides and the JDS supports us, then the Congress will come to
power.”

JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda has suggested that his party’s
support would largely depend on the Congress’ stand after the polls.