JD(S) MLAs prefer backing BJP to snap poll

Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister, H D Kumaraswamy who only recently asserted that the Yediyurappa government would not fall whatever the outcome of the December 5 bypolls,  in a conflicting statement on Tuesday said his party was ready for mid-term polls if the government did not get the required number of seats for its survival  in the byelections.

But his U-turn on the issue after arguing for weeks now that his party MLAs were not ready for another election so soon after the last, has surprised his own party men.

A few JD(S) legislators categorically told the Deccan Chronicle that they were not ready for a snap poll. "We  spent crores on the 2018 election and are still repaying our debts. Under these circumstances contesting a mid-term poll will be impossible. We would rather back the ruling BJP than face another election,” they said, adding that they were also not sure of the JD(S)’s chances  anymore following its “ mistake” of forming a government with the Congress. “Will the people believe us again if we say both the Congress and BJP are our enemies?  If he is adamant on this, let Kumaraswamy sponsor our election expense," the legislators said.

Regretting the lack of consistency in the former Chief Minister’s stance on the issue, they noted that  a few days ago he had spoken of not allowing the current government to fall, but changed his tune after Congress legislature party leader, Siddaramaiah said the Congress was ready for mid-term polls..

“We find it  difficult to believe what he says anymore. Already, a dozen JD(S) legislators are on the verge of  switching loyalty to the BJP and they will jump fence if Kumaraswamy fails to stick to one stand,” they warned.