Madikeri: The Congress on one side and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular) on the other are locked in a fierce battle for the formation of new zilla panchayat in Kodagu. The Congress, which felt that it can form the body after the elections, has to put up now with the likely BJP-JD(S) combine, thanks to the political developments at the State level.

The Congress is the single largest party in the panchayat with 14 seats, followed by the BJP (10) and the JD (S) (four). Ashok, independent member from Hebbale constituency in Somwarpet taluk, has now turned out to be a key player. Both the Congress, which is one short of forming the body, and the BJP-JD (S) combine also with the same number as the Congress are banking on the support of Mr. Ashok.

According to C.S. Arun Machaiah, MLC, now with the JD (S), the JD (S)-BJP combine is all set to form the new body. It would be a reflection of the State level politics, he told The Hindu on Thursday. However, he said, he is waiting for the instructions from the JD(S) "high command" and it is expected any time.

According to one source, Mr. Ashok has gone into hiding after coming under pressure from the Congress and the BJP-JD (S) camps. It is said the JD (S) is behind the move in asking Mr. Ashok to stay away from the Congress leadership in Kodagu to rope in his support. Initially, it was thought that Mr. Ashok would go the Congress way.

According to sources in the Congress, the party is ready to "offer" the post of president to Mr. Ashok if he supports it. Since Mr. Ashok's "disappearance," the situation has become hazy.

Sanjay Jivijaya, son of Mr. Jivijaya, who has won from Hanagallu in Somwarpet taluk, was tipped to be the unanimous choice of the Congress for the post of president. Mr. Ashok too appeared favourable to the idea then. But the swift turns and twists in the State politics led to the emergence of a new political equation in the form of the BJP-JD (S) combine in Kodagu.

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