JDS, BJP discuss alliance for Karnataka Lok Sabha seats, Deve Gowda reveals
In a significant political move, Janata Dal Secular (JDS) supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda announced the initiation of alliance talks with the BJP for upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka. The revelation was made during a JDS convention held in Bengaluru on Sunday. H.D. Kumaraswamy, former Chief Minister and a key JDS leader, will lead discussions on seat sharing with BJP leaders.
Alliance to Counter Congress’s ‘Arrogance,’ says Kumaraswamy
The former Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy, stated that the alliance aims to counter Congress’s “arrogance” in the state. He emphasized that the JDS-BJP partnership is designed to bring prosperity to Karnataka and disrupt Congress’s hopes of securing about 24 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 elections.
BJP Approached for Alliance, Deve Gowda Clarifies
Deve Gowda clarified that BJP leaders had initiated the talks for an alliance. He shared that while he did discuss the standing of JDS in various Karnataka parliamentary constituencies with BJP leaders in New Delhi, there were no concrete discussions on seat sharing for the Lok Sabha elections.
JDS Strongholds Could Be Game-Changer in North Karnataka
Deve Gowda pointed out that his party has a considerable voter base in Bidar and Chikkamagaluru, with about 2.8 lakh voters. He also mentioned the substantial support for JDS in Vijayapura and Raichur Lok Sabha seats in north Karnataka, asserting that BJP would struggle to win without JDS support in these areas.
National Parties Neglect Karnataka, Alliance to Secure Justice
Both Kumaraswamy and Deve Gowda expressed dissatisfaction over national parties, especially the BJP and Congress, meting out injustice to Karnataka, particularly in matters like irrigation projects. The alliance, according to them, is an effort to set things right and secure justice for the state.
Kumaraswamy Appeals to Muslim Community, Criticizes I.N.D.I.A. Alliance
Kumaraswamy accused the Congress party of having double standards and urged the Muslim community not to trust the party. He also criticized the leaders of the India National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) for ignoring Deve Gowda’s contributions to secular forces in the country.
JDS Leadership Confident About Alliance Benefits
JDS state unit president C.M. Ibrahim and other party leaders who attended the convention seemed optimistic about the prospective alliance’s potential to reshape Karnataka’s political landscape.
The alliance between JDS and BJP is eyed as a significant development, promising to impact the dynamics of Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka and beyond.