Bengaluru: Stung by the BJP’s refusal to join hands with it during both the recent Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha elections, the JD(S) has hit back by threatening to withdraw support to the party in the Upper House.
Although the Congress has more members than it has in the House, the BJP currently controls it with JD(S) backing. Alarmed by the threat, Legislative Council Chairman , D H Shankarmurthy rushed to JD(S) patriarch, H D Deve Gowda's house to negotiate a deal. Although he received a patient hearing, Mr Gowda did not give anything away, according to party sources.
The JD(S) is reportedly determind to strike a hard bargain this time, demanding the post of Council Chairman for its candidate, Basavaraj Horatti, and leaving the BJP with only the post of Deputy Chairman. Currently, JDS MLC , Marithibbe Gowda is Deputy Chairman of the House where the Congress has 33 members, the BJP, 22 and the JD(S), 12.
Mr Gowda is likely to discuss the issue at a party meeting, say sources.
But the JDS patriarch, who has openly accused BJP state president, B S Yeddyurappa of entering into a secret pact with the Congress to finish his party, has reportedly decided to turn the heat on him sensing discontent brewing against his style of functioning .
The JDS seems to hold all the bargaining chips as the ruling Congress too could let it have the Chairman’s post to make sure its bills are passed in the House.
The party could in fact consider an alliance with the Congress as it may stop minister, D.K. Shivakumar from meddling in its affairs till the next elections, say sources
