Everything comes with price. That is what Janata Dal (S) seems to be saying to the Congress in this time of political uncertainty. Though the party, which has three MPs, said it was yet to take a stand on the crucial nuclear deal, a top leader told rediff.com that it has set a list of conditions to the Congress.
It is learnt that the main condition that the party leader Deve Gowda will lay before the Congress in exchange of support is the nationalization of the mining industry.
A leader said Gowda had already conveyed this message across to the Congress high command.
Gowda's demand is expected as he and his family members have a long-standing battle with the BJP over the mining issue.
The mining lobby is largely controlled by the BJP. Gowda is also upset with Bellary's Reddy brothers, who he feels were instrumental in the defection of two of MLAs into the BJP recently.
Meanwhile, Gowda while addressing a press conference on Saturday said nationalization of mines had always been his priority and he would have pressed for this demand anyway with which ever government at the Centre.
The key question would be whether the Congress will give into this demand considering the fact that the JD(S) has a very small number in Parliament.
JD(S) MP from Kerala Veerendra Kumar is likely to create a problem for Gowda as he has openly said he would vote against the motion. Then, the JD(S) is left with only two MPs (Deve Gowda and Shivanna) to play its cards.
More from rediff