Karnataka elections: Who will JD(S) back in case of a hung house?

The heat is on and the big question who will conquer Karnataka. A recent survey conducted JAIN- A deemed to be university and Lokniti, CSDS has said that the BJP will emerge as the single largest party, but no party will get a clear verdict.

In such an event, the JD(S) is likely to play the kingmaker. Who would the JD(S) support in case it is needed to form the next government in Karnataka? Dr. Sandeep Shastri a leading political scientist who also who designed and analysed the survey speaks with OneIndia about the possibilities in case of a hung house. He also discusses at length the survey findings.

Dr. Shastri says that the question of which party the JD(S) would support in case of a hung house will depend on who is closer to the to the magic number of 113. Before that, we must take into account the independent candidates as well.

"I think appealing to the independents is easier than convincing the JD(S). In case the BJP seeks the support of the JD(S), then the latter would weigh it on the national scene. If the calculation works to their advantage then the JD(S) patriarch has a chance of making his elder son (Revanna) the Deputy Chief Minister. However the BJP will not concede the Chief Minister's post," Dr. Shastri says.

If the Congress is in the lead, then an alliance theoretically seems possible. They are already in an alliance in the BBMP. Moreover, this alliance would also suit the possible national ambitions of the JD(S). However, there is a big thorn in the flesh and that is the CM (Siddaramaiah). The JD(S) would have the pre-condition that Siddaramaiah is not made the CM. There are also a lot of other Congress leaders who are looking at this possibility. Dr Sandeep Shastri adds.

To catch the full interview with Dr. Sandeep Shastri, check out the video below: