New Delhi (Agency): The political atmosphere in Karnataka is buzzing with rumors of a possible alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular), commonly known as JD(S), in the run-up to next year’s Lok Sabha elections. However, BJP leader R Ashoka clarified on Friday that no formal alliance has been agreed upon yet. He added that the ultimate decision lies with the party’s top leaders.
Speaking to ANI, Ashoka noted, “There is no formal alliance yet with any party. The final decision on the same rests with our top leadership. However, in line with the agenda of our central leadership, the BJP and the JD(S) will come together to fight against the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections and the upcoming local body polls in Karnataka.”
This clarification comes after former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa stated that a tie-up between the BJP and JD(S) had been secured for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. “I am happy that Deve Gowda-ji met Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and arrived at an understanding for four Lok Sabha seats,” Yediyurappa said.
On the other hand, Congress MLC Jagdish Shettar criticized the possible alliance, describing it as the coming together of two “helpless” parties desperate for an alliance. “Such alliances of convenience between parties only corrode the electoral trust that voters have in them,” Shettar remarked.
A meeting involving top JD(S) leaders, including former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, was held in Bengaluru to discuss the potential alliance. The JD(S), which won just 19 seats in the recent Assembly elections, views this potential electoral partnership as a much-needed boost.
Meanwhile, the BJP, which enjoys strong support from the Lingayat community in Karnataka, aims to tap into JD(S)’s voter base among the Vokkaligas, another prominent community in the state.
