Bengaluru: The twists and turns in Karnataka politics which witnessed resignations of at least 15 MLAs mostly from the Congress, may ultimately result in a change of guard for the coalition and if sources are to be believed, Siddaramaiah may once again become the chief minister, replacing HD Kumaraswamy.

Earlier, it was reported that former Karnataka JD(S) president and Hunsur MLA H Vishwanath was the key behind garnering support from the disgruntled MLAs. His meeting with senior Congress MLA Ramalinga Reddy was being perceived the plan of Vishwanath to take disgruntled MLAs into BJP's fold. But in reality, it was Siddaramaiah who allowed Vishwanath to fish in troubled waters without the latter's knowledge.

"The turmoil was created by Siddaramaiah. From three Bengaluru legislators camping in Mumbai from the last three days to the recent resignation of MTB Nagaraj and Dr K Sudhakar, it is clear that entire drama is scripted by Siddaramaiah. Either he will be the chief minister if the JD(S) agrees to change in guard if not then Siddaramaiah will be the opposition leader and he will be preparing for midterm polls in 2020," said a senior JD(S) leader.

The leader further added that the idea was also to cut the rise of water resources minister DK Shivakumar.

"Barring Vishwanath, all leaders will come back once Siddaramaiah's name is made official. Ramesh Jarkiholi who has differences with Shivakumar will not have any issue with Siddaramaiah as all worked for his win in Badami," said the JD(S) leader.

When asked about the possibilities of such a change, Tanveer Ahmed, JD(S) national spokesperson, said, “Safeguarding the interest of secularism is important and it is above all. If HD Kumaraswamy continues as the chief minister of the coalition, it will be the best choice. The JD(S) can also contemplate its decision to protect the secular fabric of Karnataka.” 

Congress hints at Siddaramaiah becoming chief minister

The Congress leaders say that the party has reached out to disgruntled MLAs and assured them that all their grievances are heard and will be solved.

"The MLAs will not be judged for their actions. A message has been sent out to them. Siddaramaiah’s was that these MLAs should be in the mainstream," said Kengal Shreepada Renu, Congress spokesperson.

BJP says Siddaramaiah's ploy is its advantage

The drama scripted by Siddaramaiah and asking his loyalists to put the government in a tight spot by resigning is benefitting the BJP by and large, the saffron party claimed.

"No one is joining the BJP now, we have assured them if they help us in throwing out the anti-people government then we will help them. If elections to these Assembly segments are held in three months time from now, we may or may not give tickets. Our first demand was to remove this government. In this regard, we also have reached out to senior leader Ramalinga Reddy after his resignation. He has some doubts in mind and we are trying to solve and take him into confidence," said Vaman Acharya, BJP spokesperson.