Karnataka: HD Kumaraswamy prophecy Mid term polls in October - November

Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister Mr H.D. Kumaraswamy has predicted early polls in the state, which might coincide with Assembly elections in Gujarat, scheduled in October-November.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Mr Kumaraswamy said that the internal bickering in the ruling Congress would cut short the chief ministerial term of Mr Siddaramaiah.

After resignation of former Union Minister S.M. Krishna, a lot of developments are taking place in the Congress state unit. This was likely to come out in the open soon with original Congress members planning to rebel against Mr Siddaramaiah. The developments will start in a month or two and the party cadre would fight in the streets, he predicted. Consequently, Mr Siddaramaiah would not be able to complete his term of which he still has 14 months, Mr Kumaraswamy said.

It was not just the Congress; even BJP was in a bad situation. The party, which claims it will win 150 seats, is now trying to woo Mr Krishna, just after he quit the Congress. BJP leaders are saying they need guidance from senior, experienced leaders like Krishna.

However, there are BJP leaders like L.K. Advani and Dr Murali Manohar Joshi, who have been dumped by their own party, Mr Kumaraswamy quipped.