The kingmaker who would be king

H.D. Kumaraswamy: when kingmaker may get the crown

May 16, 2018 12:23 am | Updated 05:14 pm IST - BENGALURU

Bengaluru: Janata Dal (Secular) JD(S) President H D Kumaraswamy waves to his supporters after Karnataka Assembly Election 2018 results, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday. (PTI Photo)(PTI5_15_2018_000142A)

Bengaluru: Janata Dal (Secular) JD(S) President H D Kumaraswamy waves to his supporters after Karnataka Assembly Election 2018 results, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday. (PTI Photo)(PTI5_15_2018_000142A)

Until Tuesday morning, H.D. Kumaraswamy, State president of the Janata Dal (Secular), was identified as the kingmaker, who would ally with either national party in case of an unclear verdict in the elections. By evening, with a fractured mandate, he has transformed to become a “possible king” in a day of swift developments. Post results, the JD(S) leader sought an appointment with Governor Vajubhai R. Vala to stake his claim to form the government. He said in his letter, “I have accepted the support extended by the Indian National Congress (I) [sic] party for forming the government.”

If the Governor obliges him, Mr. Kumaraswamy will have the credit of heading a coalition government for the second time. In 2006, he had joined hands with the BJP to form a coalition government in what is now referred to as 20:20 formula — for the number of months each party would head it.

However, in October 2007, when the time came to hand over power to BJP’s B.S. Yeddyurappa as per their pact, he refused to do so and instead resigned, leading to President’s rule in the State.

Today, JD(S) has 38 seats. To be in power, both the national parties, the Congress and the BJP, with 79 and 104 seats, are now at the mercy of the regional party. The Congress blinked first and declared its support to the JD(S), even leaving the choice of the Chief Minister to the smaller party.

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