Karnataka Elections 2023: Can Kumaraswamy become 'king' as BJP, Cong trying to forge a post-poll alliance with JD(S)?

Karnataka Elections 2023: With an enormous amount of possibilities for hung assemblies emerging widely in Karnataka, the JD(S) is all set to play the kingmaker's role in the state. Moreover, former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy not only going to be the kingmaker but is also set to become the `king`.

Before the polls campaigning, Kumaraswamy also claimed that both the national parties i.e. BJP and Congress, will have to come to his doors after the elections.

According to some sources, Kumaraswamy had boarded a flight to Singapore in order to manage the negotiations with national parties, after getting reports from party workers on the ground.

Sources further claimed that the JD(S) has "decided to go with the Congress as per the wishes of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy will become the Chief Minister".

Congress leader Siddaramaiah, the bete noire of Gowda family, will bear the brunt of the alliance as there are all possibilities of JD(S) honchos asking Congress to keep him at bay.

Meanwhile, JD(S) national spokesperson and senior leader Tanveer Ahmad said that both national parties - Congress and BJP - are "trying to reach out" to his party for forging a post-poll alliance.

"Both the national parties are definitely trying to reach out to us... We will take a decision at an appropriate time. Right now, I can tell you that we will take a decision for the betterment of Karnataka," Ahmad told IANS.

The 89-year-old Deve Gowda, during campaigning, toured the entire state, attended public rallies, gave speeches and appealed to the people that he wants to see his son on the seat of power for the last time. The emotional appeal to Vokkaliga masses seemed to have worked for JD(S).

Kumaraswamy, who had undergone heart surgery, also toured all across the state for hectic campaigning. He was admitted even hospitalised for two day during the campaigning due fatigue and other ailments. His hard work also seemed to have borne fruit in this election.

It is however to be seen how things shape up on May 13, when the results will be declared.

The BJP is claiming that all exit poll predictions have fallen flat before and no survey could foresee the victories achieved by BJP in Lok Sabha as well as state elections in Karnataka.

Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and National General Secretary B.L. Santhosh has claimed that the BJP will get a majority in the elections.

With IANS inputs