The former PM has one eye on national politics and is keen to play a role in Delhi again. In this context he is keen to restore his secular image with old friends like the Left, say sources. In case he is persuaded to hand over power, may use disqualification of MLAs as an excuse to pull out of alliance.

If that doesn’t work, the JD(S) president is said to have a list of wrongdoings of BJP ministers. The party has also told the BJP that many IAS officers don’t want to function under Yediyurappa. Last but not the least, analysts say Gowda may not be averse to exploring his chances with the Congress.

H D Kumaraswamy

While the Chief Minister has shown reluctance to hand over power, he has been sending mixed signals. Apart from the weight of his father behind him, Kumaraswamy can count on several other factors. He has had a popular tenure as CM and, contrary to expectations, created a presence for the JD(S) in new parts of the state, reflected in the recent urban local body polls. This popularity may also be the reason Kumaraswamy is in two minds over transferring power to the BJP. He reportedly doesn’t want to be singled out for not honouring an agreement.

Yediyurappa, BJP

Though desperate for power the BJP has come around to the belief that even emerging as the wronged party may pay off for it, especially in an election. It also realises that the JD(S) could transfer power briefly and then withdraw support on some pretext. However, the BJP’s headache is the differences within the party, including over Yediyurappa as CM. Many ministers and MLAs are opposed to his autocratic style.

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