Karnataka   

Hopes of Janata Dal (S) hinging on support of one independent

Chitradurga: Fractured verdicts given by the electorate in Chitradurga in the recent local body elections have made it difficult for the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress to assume power in the 35-member City Municipal Council.

The Janata Dal (S) has won 17 seats, while the Congress is in second place with 15 seats, and the independents having secured three seats.

As the loyalties of independent candidates J. Mahesh, R.P. Praveen and Jayamma will be decisive in assumption of power, the two parties are learnt to have commenced all possible efforts to win their support.

Although it is still unclear which party will benefit from their support, leaders of the Congress and the Janata Dal (S) have equally laid claim to their loyalties.

After winning 17 seats, the Janata Dal (S), already supported by MLC B.T. Chennabasappa and MLA H. Anjaneya, needs the support of at least one independent candidate to come to power.

But, for the Congress, the road to power is rougher. Despite securing the votes of MP N.Y. Hanumantappa and MLA G.H. Tippareddy, it has to gain the support of all the three independent candidates in order to prove a majority.

“We have already discussed the issue with the candidates, and of them two have shown interest in joining hands with the Janata Dal (S).

So we are sure we will come to power in the CMC,” said MLC B.T. Chennabasappa.

While the Janata Dal (S) sounds confident of proving a majority, the Congress is also making similar claims.

Speaking to The Hindu, MLA G.H. Tippareddy said that despite the Janata Dal (S) winning more seats, the independents have shown interest in supporting the Congress.

Refuting allegations of horse trading, Mr. Tippareddy said the Congress would come to power only if the independents offered it unconditional support.

According to sources, two independent candidates have already expressed a desire to be nominated vice-president of the council.

However, none of them were available for comment.

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