While both the national parties in Karnataka are busy with their temple runs and mutt marathons, the Janata Dal (Secular), which may emerge as the kingmaker should there be a hung assembly, is all set to woo the Muslim voters in the state by joining hands with the mercurial minority leader and All India Majlis e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

As reported by Vijayavani, Owaisi announced that his party would field no candidates in the upcoming elections in the state, but instead support the JD(S) for ‘ a non-Congress and non-BJP government in Karnataka’.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister (CM) and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy is said to have received the support of the minority leader on the recommendation of the Telangana Chief Minister K C Chandrashekhar Rao, who also pledged his support to the JD(S). “This has given us an opportunity to instil faith among Muslims,”said the former CM.

“This is an apt response to the Congress that was trying to create confusion among the minorities against the JD(S),” added Kumaraswamy who also tweeted thanking Owaaisi for his ‘unconditional support’.

Leader of opposition Jagadeesh Shettar insinuated saying “a party which calls itself secular is receiving the support of communal forces”.

Former Prime Minister H D Devegowda welcomed Owaisi’s support.

“Owaisi is not a person who shows disrespect towards Hindus. He is someone who doesn’t refrain from revolt when there is injustice towards minorities,” he said.