Many a times, in cricket, it so happens that despite the presence of star players and big names, a relatively newer or younger players happens to make more impact and takes away the man of the match award despite losing the game. If that analogy was to be applied in politics today, it would fit well on  the JD(U) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, who was expected to be the kingmaker in the Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018 but has instead emerged as the king as Congress chases him to invite the JD(S) leader and son of former Prime Minister Deve Gouda.

So who is H. D. Kumaraswamy. Here's some information for the uninitiated.

Kumarswamy, the state unit chief of JD(S), had earlier served as the Chief Minister in 2006-07. In the upcoming elections, all opinion polls have predicted him to play the role of kingmaker. The 58-year-old, however, says, "The people of Karnataka will reject all kings and elect him to serve them".

Early life & political career

Kumaraswamy, also referred as Kumar Anna, among his supporters, was born on December 16, 1959, in Haradanahalli village of Hassan district.

In terms of education, he had obtained a degree in Science from Bengaluru's MES Educational Institution.

Although Kumaraswamy was in politics since an early age, it did not stop him to make his career as a film director, writer and producer, later.

He made his formal entry into electoral politics in 1996, when he won the Kanakapura Lok Sabha seat on JD(S) ticket. Two years later, however, he lost the seat in the snap elections called, with even his deposit being forfeited.

In 1999, Kumaraswamy faced yet another electoral setback as he was defeated from the Sthanoor Assembly seat.

In 2004, Kumaraswamy made his way back into state politics, winning the Ramnagar Assembly constituency. The JD(S) had then formed a coalition government with the Congress.

The coalition, however, could last only till 2006, when he, along with 42 JD(S) legislators, joined hands with the BJP. He served as the CM under the coalition government between 2006-07.

In 2013, Kumaraswamy assumed the role of the Leader of Opposition after the JD(S) emerged as the single-largest party among the Opposition ranks.

Although most opinion polls have predicted the JD(S) to win between 35-45 seats, Kumaraswamy claims his party is set for a landslide victory in the state.

Ahead of the elections, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have already extended their support to the JD(S). Kumaraswamy said the support would aid his party to win over the Dalit and Muslim electorate.

The BJP, which looks likely to finish a little above the 100 figure mark will fall short by just a few votes to form the government even when they have finished as the single largest party. According to latest reports coming in, BJP President Amit Shah has directed top party leaders like JP Nadda and Prakash Javadekar to rush to Karnataka for forming a government. But as the picture looks now, Congress seems to have pulled a coup on BJP as the latter did on Congress in Goa.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 15, 2018 03:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).