JDS drops plans on govt formation, to face polls

BANGALORE: The two-day conclave of the Janata Dal (S) Legislature Party that concluded here on Tuesday decided against exploring possibilities of forming another government and galvanised the party for mid-term polls to the state assembly.
    
The top leadership in the party have been trying since yesterday to placate its agitated MLAs, who have been insisting that efforts be made towards installing a government either with BJP, its estranged partner, or rope in Congress, highly placed JDS sources said.
    
JDS men were worried about the peoples' reaction to their candidature in the coming polls in the backdrop of the party reneging on its promise to transfer power to BJP.
    
Since Monday, majority of MLAs told Kumaraswamy in clear terms that they were not willing to go for polls and wanted him to make attempts to form a government, sources said.
    
MLAs were told in clear terms that there was no alternative other than going to elections, sources said.
    
Kumaraswamy made it clear to partymen that the prospects of installing another government looked bleak with BJP continuing its belligerent posture and Congress remaining silent and watching the developments.
    
Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy said the meeting passed a resolution authorising him, state unit JDS president Merajuddin Patel and former Home minister M P Prakash to take a decision on the future course of action. The decision will be abided by all, he added.
    
He said he would discuss with his father and JDS chief H D Devegowda before taking any decision.