Congress-JD(S) deal: How Priyanka prevailed over Rahul

The Congress moved swiftly to offer its hand to the JD(S) in Karnataka to form the government. Prior to the results being declared, the Congress had accused the JD(S) of being the B-team of the BJP.

The president of the party, Rahul Gandhi was totally averse to the idea of an any alliance with the JD(S), but it was a suggestion by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra which changed the dynamics. She had suggested that the Congress supports the JD(S) and also offers the post of chief minister to H D Kumaraswamy.

In the run up to the results, the Congress had decided that if the party managed to cross the 100 mark, it would leave it up to Siddaramaiah to take a call on the next course of action. However with the party falling way short of the 100 mark, the high command decided to step in.

The Congress also rushed its senior leaders, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ashok Gehlot to Karnataka to ensure that there was no repeat of Goa and Manipur where it failed to form the government despite being the single largest party.

After Rahul was convinced, Sonia Gandhi immediately touched base with Deve Gowda and H D Kumaraswamy. The only demand that Gowda had was that his son be made the CM which was immediately agreed upon.

Several meetings were convened on Tuesday afternoon following which Kumaraswamy wrote to the Governor, staking a claim to form the government. The president of the Congress in Karnataka Parameshwar tried meeting with the Governor by around 4 pm on Tuesday, but was turned down. Finally the Governor met with B S Yeddyurappa first, following which Kumaraswamy was given an opportunity.