JD(S) leadership, eight rebel MLAs headed for a truce?

Bengaluru: The stalemate over suspension of eight Janata Dal (secular) legislators for cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council polls, is likely to continue for a few more months as neither the party nor affected MLAs are interested in pursuing the matter seriously. In all likelihood, the JD(S) leadership and the MLAs will arrive at a truce and ensure both sides emerge winners, said sources in the party.

Sources close to state JD(S) president H.D. Kumaraswamy told DC  that the party had filed a petition before  Assembly Speaker K.B. Koliwad seeking disqualification of the eight MLAs on charges of violating the whip during the polls.

But this case before the Speaker had seen more adjournments than hearings as only advocates representing both parties were making an appearance. The sources said the party may delay accepting apologies from those legislators just to convey the message that indiscipline will not be tolerated.

Party supremo H.D. Deve Gowda would have pardoned those legislators if he wanted to. But the insult to Mr Kumaraswamy by them after their suspension, has angered the former who wants to keep them away from party affairs to humiliate them.

The end of this episode is quite predictable with the MLAs likely to fall at the feet of Mr Gowda seeking pardon. This would be a win-win situation as it would be difficult for JD(S) to find winnable candidates in the constituencies the MLAs represent now. Similarly, it would not be possible for the MLAs to contest on a new symbol.

The drama over suspension and disqualification will continue for the next 6-8 months and then both sides may announce a  ceasefire as the coming 2018 Assembly polls will decide the future of the party, sources said.