Speculation about the longevity of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka has again come to the fore as the second phase polls drew to a close, with state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa Tuesday predicting its collapse after the May 23 election results.
"We will win 22 Lok Sabha seats.
After we win,the disagreement between Congress and JD(S) will increase hundred times and everyone expects it will have its impact on the government. Let's wait and watch," Yeddyurappa told reporters in Shimoga.
"The rivalry has increased, there are internal bickerings... I don't see the Congress-JD(S) government surviving at any cost in the current political situation," he said.
Speculations are rife within political circles that any adverse results for the coalition in the Lok Sabha polls, which they fought in alliance, will have its implications on the longevity of the H D Kumaraswamy government.
Though the leadership of both parties decided to fight the polls jointly, it was not acceptable to their grassroot level workers, who had been fighting each other fordecades, especially in the old Mysuru region.
With disapproval from local party workers, it remains to be seen how the coalition performs in the Lok Sabha polls, where transfer of votes between both parties is crucial for them to defeat the BJP.
To a question that some ruling partyMLAs were in touch with him, Yeddyurappa said he has not contacted anybody and had been busy with the election campaign.
Asked about reports that 15-20 coalition MLAs would express their displeasure on May 23, the day on which the results are announced, he said "there is such information... let's wait and watch as to what will happen."
Stating that any kind of political development mayoccur in Karnataka after the Lok Sabha polls, Yeddyurappa said the "party's central leadership will decide as things emerge. Tillthen I will continue as the opposition leader."
To a question about any attempts at "OperationKamala", he said "we have nothing to do with it. it is just acreation of the media. You should ask about the stand ofdisgruntled Congress legislators, what they will do."
However, not wishing to comment on Jarkiholi'sstatement, Yeddyurappa said "let's wait and see what decisionhe will take."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content