Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Sep 27: The report that former state Chief Minister (CM), H D Kumaraswamy, and leader of the opposition in the state assembly, Siddaramaiah, had held secret parleys, has given rise to fresh hopes, calculations and expectations in the political circles.

Reportedly, the two leaders met at the residence of former union minister, C M Ibrahim. The discussions have given rise to the possibility of a new era of political alignment between the JDS and the Congress. Besides, the leaders of the two parties are likely to draft fresh strategies to floor the BJP.

In all likelihood, the leaders are considering the prospects of their respective parties coming together for fighting the coming taluk and zilla panchayat elections. At the same time, speculations are rife about Siddu’s initiatives to meet the son of his sworn enemy, at a time he is disillusioned with his chances in the Congress party, where non-cooperation by ‘original’ Congress leaders has limited his chances.

It is said that through Ibrahim, Siddu had conveyed to Kumaraswamy his desire to meet the former CM. At the instance of Siddu, the meeting was arranged, sources added. However, Kumaraswamy refuted the very information that he had met Siddaramaiah. He said he is not interested in forming an alternative government, as there are no such chances at present, and the news of his meeting with Siddaramaiah, which are making the rounds, are nothing but rumours.  He said he had not even invited Siddu to his party, pointing out that the former deputy CM is in a national party which rules the country.

In an incident that looked like a fall out of the above development, a few Congress legislators met the CM, B S Yeddyurappa, and held discussions with him. Reports said that five to six Congress legislators, all belonging to the Lingayat community, were closeted with the CM in a discussion on Sunday.