Indicating that the Assembly polls in Karnataka would have a role in deciding the dates for the general elections, BJP leader L K Advani on Friday accused the Congress and the JD(S) of planning another hung verdict in the state. Advani, who addressed an election rally for BJP’s three-time MLA from Anekal in Bangalore rural district, said a BJP victory in Karnataka could see elections as scheduled in 2009.

“There is a talk in the Congress in Delhi that if the inflation keeps moving upwards, the voters would be very angry and it might be wise to hold elections in October-November along with other state Assembly polls,” he said.

Advani charged the Congress and the JD(S) of thrusting an untimely election on the people. “Normally in an election, political parties seek mandate for their parties. Strangely in Karnataka, the JD(S) and Congress want a hung Assembly,” he said while seeking votes for the BJP and promising “a good, honest, stable government”.

Referring to the short-lived support given by the JD(S) to the BJP government, led by Yeddyurappa, in November 2007, Advani sought rejection of the JD(S) for its “acts of betrayal”.