The Congress is reckoned as the favourite to bag the maximum number of Lok Sabha seats, with the Janata Dal expected to be the big loser. The BJP is assessed to remain more or less in the current position. In the 11th Lok Sabha, the JD had 16 seats, the Congress 5, the BJP 6 and the Karnataka Congress Party one. While the Congress has until now displayed a picture of unity among the top leaders, the JD bracing to face anti Government votes that have become the bane of any political party in power. The exit of Mr. S. Bangarappa from the Congress may affect the party's prospects.

The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president Dharam Singh has ruled out an alliance with any party. If the Congress does not alter its stance, the Lok Shakti may team up with the BJP in which case the alliance may fare better than expected especially in the State's northern belt.                                                           (Source: The Hindustan Times, 8 December, 1997)