ENS

Bangalore, Jun 14: The JD(S) has asked the Congress to return its favour by supporting its party candidate for the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha, to be held on June 26.

Former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy told the Express that the Congress should support the JD(S), as it had supported Congress candidate B K Hariprasad during the Rajya Sabha polls in the past. ''This is the time for secular forces to come together and script a new chapter in Karnataka politics,'' he said.

No decision was taken at the JD(S) LP meeting here on Friday. The JD(S) is likely to make a final move after the two-day conclave, commencing on Saturday to analyse the recent drubbing at the hustings, besides preparing the party for the coming Lok Sabha and other local body elections, including the BBMP.

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda sounded cautious, and said that neither he nor his partymen have spoken to the Congress or the BJP. ''We will announce candidates to the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections after the two-day meet,'' he said.

The BJP, which has 110 members, can easily elect two members, while the Congress, with 80 members, can only elect one candidate.