BANGALORE: The spectacular victory of independent candidate B Sriramulu in the Bellary byelection has put the the main opposition party, the Congress, in a quandary: it can choose to unseat the 42-month-old BJP state government, however, it is not entirely sure of its prospects either.The Congress failed to capitalise on the divisions within the BJP and once again failed to impress voters - this time in Bellary - where Sriramulu romped home by a victory margin of over 47,000 votes.However, going by the prevailing mood in the state Congress, it is unlikely to play spoil-sport, as it is focusing on the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, to be held in June next year. Also, it would be wary of the BJP’s covert tactic to poach Opposition party MLAs, Operation Lotus.The BJP, on the other hand, which has formed its first-ever government south of the Vindhyas here, has a 119-member strength in the 225-member state Assembly, excluding the Speaker and the nominated member. The strength of the combined opposition, including six independents (also includes Sriramulu) stands at 103.The defeat has put the BJP, too, in a tight spot, with Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda poised to get elected to the Upper House of the state legislature within six months after assuming office — something that is extremely crucial to him.The Election Commission has announced the calendar of events for the bypoll - to the seat vacated by BJP legislator N Shankarappa, to pave the way for the CM’s entry - which will be held on December 22. The notification for the bypoll will be issued on December 5; last date for filing nominations is December 12, counting of votes will be on December 22.Meanwhile, in a bid to secure the support of the five independents, state BJP president K S Eshwarappa met former minister Goolihatti Shekhar and reportedly obtained an assurance for his support. Also, top BJP leaders are reportedly in touch with some Congress and JD(S) MLAs to thwart any plans to dethrone the saffron party.It must be remembered that the Congress has already served a no-confidence notice against Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah which will come up for discussion in the upcoming legislature session.The five members, who were nurturing a grouse against the Speaker, are likely to rally behind the Opposition if the no-confidence motion is put up for voting.
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