Cong, BJP try to woo JDS, independents

Efforts are on by Congress and BJP to woo JD(S) and independents to stake claim to panchayats that got a hung verdict yesterday.
Out of 30 zilla panchayats, Congress has clear win in 10, BJP in 7 and JD(S) in 2, while 11 panchayats have got a hung verdict.
The 11 zilla panchayts are Yadgir, Raichur, Belagavi, Tumkuru, Kolar, Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru, Shivammogga, Vijayapura, Bagalkote and Dharwad.
At least in seven of these eleven seats, JD(S) will play a decisive role.
Ruling Congress had yesterday edged ahead of BJP in the Taluk and Zilla Panchayat elections, polls for which were held in two phases.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar said Congress is the direct opponent to BJP at all levels.

He said "other than Congress we are ready to join hands with independents, even JD(S). I think our local level leaders will take appropriate decision."
Stating that the poll results were not on expected lines, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had yesterday said that "we are open to working with secular parties, but a decision will be taken after consulting with local leaders."
Expressing similar opinion, state Congress chief G Parameshwara has said whereever there is such situation we will look for options.

"Principally, we will decide on whether to join hands and will leave it to our local leaders to take decision looking at local situation," he said.
Parties are also exploring for options in Taluk Panchayats where about 43 panchayats have got hung verdict.
Congress had joined hands with JD(S) for the Mayoral elections at Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city civic body, to keep the single largest party BJP out of power in September last year.