'Turmoil in BJP, Congress, JD(S) might lead to political polarisation'

JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav today said the 'turmoil' in Karnataka unit of BJP, Congress and JD(S) might lead to political polarisation in the state.

"Anything can happen anytime in Karnataka as BJP, Congress and JD(S) are in turmoil," he told reporters here when asked whether JD(U) expects political polarisation in the state.

His remarks came in the backdrop of former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa's attempts to pressure BJP central leadership to either reinstate him as chief minister or give him state BJP President post and also rumours that he plans to float a new party if this does not come about.

Yadav said JD(U) plans to hold its national executive in Karnataka soon after assembly elections in five states "in the backdrop of this fluid situation."

He replied in the negative when asked whether Yeddyurappa is in touch with him to join JD(U).

Asked about the timing of his visit to Karnataka when Yeddyurappa is battling the central leadership to regain his position, Yadav said his visit was not political.

"I am on a tour organised by the Standing Committee of Parliament which will visit Mumbai, Pune and Goa," he said.

He said JD(U)'s alliance with BJP has fallen through in Uttar Pradesh after seat-sharing talks failed and the party would contest all 403 seats by itself in the coming polls.

He said JD(U) decision was also spurred into taking this action after BJP inducted Babu Singh Kushwaha into its fold. The former BSP minister is allegedly involved in Rs2000 crore National Rural Health Mission Scam.

"It is becoming difficult to defend BJP on its decision to induct Kushwaha into its fold. Hence, we decided to go ahead with our strategy to contest UP election alone," he said.

To another question, Yadav said the decision to go it alone would not sour JD(U)'s relations with NDA partners." In some states, we are fighting elections alone and in others we are fighting with BJP...NDA will remain...It is a strong magnet that is keeping us together," he said.

Asked if election results in five states would be a referendum on UPA government's performance, Yadav said it would rather be a semifinal of sorts.