Bangalore:
You cannot ignore BS Yeddyurappa. His Karnataka Janata Party or KJP is not expected to perform brilliantly in the state elections on Sunday. Yet, the BSY factor figures in every political discussion on the subject.
For Mr Yeddyurappa, no more a contestant for the throne, could well play kingmaker now.
In Karnataka, the BJP was for years associated with Mr Yeddyuruappa, the man who led it to form its first ever government in south India. He dominated the scene and defied his party leadership with impunity when he was asked to step down on corruption charges.
He did eventually have to quit, both as Chief Minister and later his party of 40 years. He took along with him his staunchest supporters and formed the KJP.
Mr Yeddyurappa's career may have floundered, but his confidence - his detractors read that as "arrogance" - never did. "I have 100 per cent confidence that we will get absolute majority," he told NDTV at the launch of his new party in December last year.
The KJP might not win many seats in the 224-member Assembly, but it is expected to divide the votes of Mr Yeddyurappa's powerful Lingayat community, considered a BJP stronghold. Enough to cost the BJP some vital seats, to the advantage of the Congress.
The BJP admits this, though it is forced to wear its brave face. "In some places it could. But it cannot do any major damage. Yeddyurappa has no chance of coming back to power whereas Jagadish Shettar has every chance - and he is also a Lingayat," says the party's S Prakash.
If no party gets a clear majority, smaller regional parties will play a familiar role in government formation. B Sriramulu, who was a minister in the Yeddyurappa government, has launched his own party, BSR Congress, and hinted that he is ready to join hands with his former boss.
In a close finish, the Congress might well have to look to Mr Yeddyurappa for help. Not too long ago they said he was the symbol of what they called the BJP's corruption. But as he was exiting the BJP, Mr Yeddyurappa paid the Congress several compliments, perhaps seeking to open new doors as one shut behind him.