Taming The Shrew

JD(S) insiders say this could well be a "masterstroke" on H.D. Deve Gowda’s part. Much water has flown after the "saddest Wednesday" (January 18) when the humble farmer’s son Kumaraswamy staked claim to form the government with the BJP’s support. The prodigal son returned (January 23), and Gowda Sr condoned him. The next day, confident and in control of the situation, he left for Delhi to negotiate. Sources say by allowing the drama of "humiliating" the Congress to be played out for a week, Gowda sent a signal to his Left and other non-Congress leaders that he is the one who’s "tamed" the oldest party. And that this should not be forgotten if the Third Front idea were to come alive.