BENGALURU: Even as BJP leaders are busy with a high-pitch campaign for the byelections in Nanjangud and Gundlupet, Congress and JD(S) have initiated moves to deliver a shock to the BJP in the Legislative Council. Plans are being drawn up to oust D H Shankaramurthy of BJP as Legislative Council chairman.
Shankaramurthy is occupying the seat with support from JD(S). Thanks to an earlier pact between BJP and JD(S), Marithibbe Gowda of JD(S) was made Deputy Chairman.
The ruling Congress, which is suffering frequent embarrassment in getting the crucial bills passed and during debates on important issues as it has no majority in the Upper House, is making a fresh bid to change the political equations by wooing JD(S).
For instance, it may be recalled that the BJP-JD(S) combine had foiled Siddaramaiah government’s efforts to pass the Bill to divide BBMP into three or more smaller civic bodies.
The issue of dislodging Shankaramurthy came up for discussion during JD(S) MLC T A Saravana’s meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday. “The CM conveyed his inclination for a tie-up with JD(S) in the Legislative Council to counter BJP. He wants secular forces to come together,” Saravana said.
He said JD(S) leaders will discuss the issue soon. The party will consider the overtures if Congress is ready to offer Chairman’s post to JD(S). “Senior JD(S) MLC Basavaraj Horatti is our choice for the post,” he said.