Karnataka election results: JD(S) is not 'kingmaker', but 'king'?

Dubbed as the "kingmaker" by one and all, the JD(S) is fast emerging as the "king".

Bengaluru, May 15: Over the last few months, the HD Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) had a rollercoaster ride in the wake of the Karnataka Assembly elections 2018. On Tuesday, as the nation waits for the full and final results of the Assembly elections in the southern state, the suspense surrounding the JD(S)' future as a political powerhouse is still hanging precariously.

Dubbed as the "kingmaker" by one and all, the JD(S) is fast emerging as the "king", as a rattled Congress, which has been reduced to double-digit figures in the elections, is ready to support a JD(S) government in the state. The BJP, which according to the result trends is likely to get around 104 seats in the 224-member Karnataka Assembly, will emerge as the single largest party in the state where an "anti-incumbency" wave left the Congress high and dry.

Reports stated that Congress leaders met former PM and JD(S) patriarch Deve Gowda to give support to a JD(S) government. The JD(S), which has been cautiously observing all the developments, seems to have agreed to the Congress' offer. As per the Congress-JD(S) agreement, HD Kumaraswamy will become the next chief minister of the state.

If that is the case, the JD(S), which has formed an alliance with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for the polls, with around 40 seats will be at the helm of affairs in the state. Reports added that soon leaders from the JD(S) and the Congress will meet Karnataka governor Vajubhai Vala to stake their claim to form the next government.

The BJP, on its part, stated that it too will meet the governor to stake its claim for government formation. A restrained BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa stated that he would wait till the final results are out.

"I will look at all possibilities. A lot of people have blessed us with their votes. I do not want to discuss about the JD(S) and the Congress. I will consult all-Indian leaders and make the decision accordingly," said Yeddyurappa.

Reports indicate that the BJP, if it misses the majority mark, might get in touch with "rebel leaders" from both the JD(S) and the Congress for their support.