POLITICS

Rajasthan: More MLAs to defect

Rumour mill has that in Rajasthan political game has started and parties are reportedly busy in breaking party khel. It is said that about half a dozen MLAs are likely to say goodbye to Congress. Sources said that they are erstwhile BSP leaders who later joined the Congress. But one has to wait for the final outcome.

Despite bonhomie, open pact between BJP and JD (S) possible?

The newly developed bonhomie between BJP and JD(S) in Karnataka has fuelled speculation about joining hands openly but that seems unlikely due to multiple factors. The minorities have solidly backed Congress in the recently concluded Assembly election which they see as the force that can take on the saffron brigade. Despite its best efforts, the JD (S) failed to garner the support of the minorities. Moreover, it got a tough challenge from Congress in its strongholds. The opposition seems to derail the Government's efforts. BJP and JD(S) are playing complementary to each other, both within the Assembly and outside. The JD(S) leaders appear to be more aggressive and the BJP is taking an unusually long time in appointing Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. But the open pact between both the parties is likely to demoralise party cadre as both had hurled serious allegations against each other. Also, JD (S) is unwilling to annoy minority votes, it has in hands.