Elections cause fall of another government in Karnataka

Bangalore, Oct 8 (UNI) The local bodies elections has caused fall of two governments in the state in a span of 40 months which ultimately has now resulted in mid-term elections in Karnataka.

The then Dharam Singh led Congress-JD(S) coalition government collapsed in January 2006, after elections were held to Taluk and Zilla panchayaths. Now the elections held last month to Urban local bodies has proved fatal to Kumaraswamy led JD(S)-BJP Karnataka Development Front (KDF) government with the resignation of Chief Minister today.

The 13th Karnataka assembly for which elections were held in April-2004 threw a fractured mandate as none of the three frontline -- Congress, Janata Dal(S) and the BJP, could manage to secure a majority. While BJP was emerged as the single largest party with 79 members, Congress secured only 65 followed by JD(S) 58.

The first ever coalition government in the state was led by Congress with N Dharam Singh as Chief Minister and JD(S) leader Sidharamiah as state's new Deputy Chief minister in May, 2004.

However the relationship between Congress and JD(S) soured after the elections held to Taluk and Zilla Panchayaths culminating in the formation of JD(S)-BJP coalition government.

In a sudden political development following a coup, H D Kumaraswamy took over as the Chief Minister, after the fall of N Dharam Singh government, while BJP's B S Yediyurappa became new Deputy Chief minister. This was the first time that BJP could get a toe hold in South India.

However the elections held to urban local bodies elections in which JD(S) performed well, however, led to the fall of H D Kumaraswamy Government. Once again the relationship between two coalition partners soured following Mr Kumaraswamy's refusal to handing over Chief Ministership to BJP as per the understanding.

UNI