JDS sends mixed signals,Cong ready to join hands after bypolls

The Congress on Monday maintained it was not averse to the possibility of joining hands with the JD(S) once again to form a government in Karnataka in case the ruling BJP falls short of majority after the December 5 bypolls, even as there was mixed signals from the regional party on a post by-election tie-up.

The Congress and JD(S), which ran a coalition government for 14 months in the state and contested the Lok Sabha polls in alliance, have parted ways after the collapse of the H D Kumaraswamy ministry in July following the rebellion by 17 MLAs, and are contesting the bypolls independently.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa maintained that his party will win all the 15 assembly segments.

The ruling BJP led by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa needs to win at least six seats in the bypolls to 15 constituencies to remain in a majority in the 224-member assembly, which would still have two vacant seats-- Maski and R R Nagar.

"Definitely options are open..you see the way in which government formation has happened in Maharashtra," AICC general secretary incharge of Karnataka K C Venugopal said at Belagavi.

Alleging that there is a "fascist government in the country and there was no value for democracy," he said "to protect democracy there is a wider aspect with which Indian National Congress is looking at things, therefore entire thing is open now."
Speaking to reporters at Belagavi, he said "Keeping both at a distance, saying 'namasakara' to both of them, I will work beyond my limits to strengthen my party."
Speaking to reporters, he said "it is too early to discuss about it. Let us see how the numbers will stand after the results."
It will remain an illusion and their dream will not come true."