Sure JDS Will Disintegrate, No Scope Of Alliance With Them, Says Congress' Jairam Ramesh

Exit polls show a close competition between Congress and BJP, while JD(S) appears to anticipate a hung verdict, which could provide an opportunity for them to play a role in government formation.

New Delhi: Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh on Friday said he is absolutely sure that Janata Dal (Secular) will disintegrate and there is no scope of a coalition government in Karnataka this time. Speaking to news agency ANI a day ahead of the Karnataka Assembly election results, Jairam Ramesh said, “I am absolutely sure that JDS will disintegrate… This time I do not think that there is any scope for a coalition government with JDS.”

Expressing confidence that Congress will form the government with an absolute majority, Jairam Ramesh said his party has promised five guarantees in its manifesto and based on this, victory of their party is certain this time.

“During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, we were there for 23 days in Karnataka and visited 7 districts. We don’t have any doubt. We will get majority votes. We have promised 5 guarantees in our manifesto, and because of these guarantees Congress is guaranteed to win,” he said.

The Congress leader further said that the grand old party’s victory will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s defeat as the Prime Minister and it will pave the way for Congress for the Lok Sabha elections next year.

“Congress' victory in Karnataka is PM Modi's defeat because no one campaigned in Karnataka except him. After (BJP's) Karnataka's defeat, Delhi's door is open for Congress in 2024,” Jairam Ramesh said.

Notably, the counting of votes will start at 8 am across 36 centres throughout the state on May 13. Election officials anticipate a clearer picture of the results to emerge by mid-day. The voting on May 10 witnessed a "record" turnout of 73.19 per cent, as citizens cast their votes to elect representatives for the 224-member Assembly.

Exit polls have indicated a close competition between the Congress and BJP, causing leaders from both parties to feel anxious about the outcome. Meanwhile, the JD(S) appears to anticipate a hung verdict, which could provide an opportunity for them to play a role in government formation. The majority of pollsters have given a slight advantage to the Congress, while also acknowledging the possibility of a hung Assembly in the state.