BENGALURU/HUBBALLI: Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy clarified on Saturday that discussions on a BJP-JD(S) alliance are still at an initial stage, with no talk of seat-sharing yet.
“We have met cordially on two or three occasions. Let us see what happens as there is still time,” he said, reacting to ex-CM and BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa‘s claim on Friday that JD(S) had agreed to join NDA and contest from four seats in Karnataka in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, leaving the remaining 24 to BJP.
Kumaraswamy said it was the former CM’s personal opinion, although he confirmed JD(S) and BJP would be joining forces for next year’s national vote. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing between the two parties over the JD(S) demand for five Lok Sabha seats, while the BJP has offered only four.
JD(S) is hosting a large convention in Bengaluru on Sunday. Sources said JD(S) patriarch and former PM Deve Gowda will consult party leaders and workers at the meeting before making a formal announcement regarding the alliance with BJP.
“We are coming together and currently having a discussion on that. People need it because Congress is looting the state. People need alternatives,” Kumaraswamy said.
CM Siddaramaiah of Congress swiped at JD(S) over its potential alliance with BJP, stating that his earlier statement calling the regional party the “B-team of BJP” has now been proven true. He questioned the secular credentials of JD(S) and alleged it will do anything for the sake of power.
Kumaraswamy asserted the Congress government was already facing anti-incumbency, saying: “There is a feeling among the public that it (a BJP-JD(S) understanding) is good.”
“We have met cordially on two or three occasions. Let us see what happens as there is still time,” he said, reacting to ex-CM and BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa‘s claim on Friday that JD(S) had agreed to join NDA and contest from four seats in Karnataka in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, leaving the remaining 24 to BJP.
Kumaraswamy said it was the former CM’s personal opinion, although he confirmed JD(S) and BJP would be joining forces for next year’s national vote. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing between the two parties over the JD(S) demand for five Lok Sabha seats, while the BJP has offered only four.
JD(S) is hosting a large convention in Bengaluru on Sunday. Sources said JD(S) patriarch and former PM Deve Gowda will consult party leaders and workers at the meeting before making a formal announcement regarding the alliance with BJP.
“We are coming together and currently having a discussion on that. People need it because Congress is looting the state. People need alternatives,” Kumaraswamy said.
CM Siddaramaiah of Congress swiped at JD(S) over its potential alliance with BJP, stating that his earlier statement calling the regional party the “B-team of BJP” has now been proven true. He questioned the secular credentials of JD(S) and alleged it will do anything for the sake of power.
Kumaraswamy asserted the Congress government was already facing anti-incumbency, saying: “There is a feeling among the public that it (a BJP-JD(S) understanding) is good.”