Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 14: The JD(S), it is said, was hoping that the bypolls would be postponed and the verdict would be delayed. But the judgement having been delivered. The Supreme Court has also permitted those who betrayed their parties to contest the bypoll. Therefore, the JD(S) is under compulsion to fight this bypoll.

The party has been finding it hard to field good candidates in eight to nine constituencies, while it has high hopes in five to six constituencies where its presence is formidable. But the party has to prove its clout to survive electoral politics.

It is learnt that the strategy of the JD(S) would be to ensure that as less BJP candidates as possible come out victorious, so that in the aftermath of the bypoll, their party will have a chance of emerging as a kingmaker and bargain hard with the BJP.

Sharat Bachegowda, who is the son of Chikkaballapur MP from the BJP, B N Bachegowda, has decided to enter the election scene from Hoskote constituency as the BJP did not issue him ticket as it is under compulsion to entertain disqualified MLA from there. Now, JD(S) has pledged its support to him. Roshan Baig plans to fight election from Shivajinagar constituency in the city as an independent, and JD(S) is expected to support his candidature. It is said that Baig has already discussed the issue with H D Deve Gowda.

BJP is under compulsion to win at least eight constituencies to retain majority in the assembly. If there is a small shortfall, the party will have no other alternative but to seek support from the JD(S). It is said the JD(S) leaders eagerly await for such an opportunity.