WILL JD(S) CONTEST BYPOLLS?

The JD(S) sent confusing signals on contesting the bypolls in Karnataka. While JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda did not want the party to contest the bypolls and said that the JD(S) will not be fielding candidates, his son and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy categorically stated that the party will contest from at least two assembly segments. Among the three assembly constituencies going to bypolls, JD(S) has considerable support in Basavakalyan and Sindagi. Gowda’s stand triggered speculations of a tacit understanding with the BJP as came just a day af ter his party senior, MLC Basavaraj Horatti, was elected to the legislative council chairman post. In a tactical move, the BJP provided support for Horatti’s win. But Gowda put up a weak defence saying “I’m now working to save the regional party and my focus till the next election will be the same.” it