New equations emerge between JD S,BJP

The BJP withdrawal came despite JDS president and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda asserting that there was no alliance with the BJP on the cards. Kumaraswamy,however,has been constantly indicating that the JDS and BJP would be allies in fighting the Congress. The BJP withdrawal will see straight fights between the Congress and the JDS in the Lok Sabha bypolls on August 21. The KJP of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa did not file nominations at all.

The bye-elections have emerged as a prestige battle for the Congress and the JDS in Karnataka. On Wednesday,Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said his party is aiming to beat the JDS in its own den in the bypoll. For the Congress,the polls are time to test the effect of its policies of the last few months and create some momentum for the Lok Sabha polls. The understanding with the BJP is expected to help JDS win segments of BJP votes in Bangalore South constituency represented by the party. The Congress,meanwhile,has worked on the support of lone Samajwadi Party legislator in the state who represents the Channapatna assembly constituency,falling in Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency.