JD(S) state chief HD Kumaraswamy said there are differences between the alliance partners but they would sweep Karnataka in the 2024 LS polls. Kolar has turned seat of contention.
HD Kumaraswamy with Amit Shah and JP Nadda. (X)
Amidst the reports of tensions between the BJP and the JD(S) over seat-sharing ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday, 19 March, said that the saffron party had not given any clear picture.
Kumaraswamy told reporters: “Ever since the alliance (with the BJP) was initiated, we have been asking for three seats. However, neither the state leaders of the BJP nor its high command have given us any clear picture.”
However, the former chief minister asserted that there is no confusion in the ties between the BJP and the JD(S), as he expressed hope that the issue over giving Kolar seat to the regional party “will be clear”.
“ We had several meetings with Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah and he has always respected our demands. The statements that I made on Monday do not mean that there is no cordial relationship between the alliance partners,” clarified the former chief minister.
Meanwhile, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra said he has spoken to its leadership after consulting his party’s high command, and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved amicably.
He said BJP and JD(S) leadership are discussing “everything and there will be a happy ending.”
Kumaraswamy expressed confidence that the alliance would sweep Karnataka in the upcoming polls.
“On the advice of JD(S) national president and former PM HD Deve Gowda, we have decided to forge an alliance (with the BJP). I did not make those statements because there was a lack of faith. I disclosed before the media that was deliberated in the state core committee meeting,” he said.
He reiterated that there are differences between the alliance partners but they would clean sweep in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
As Kumaraswamy expressed displeasure over the seat sharing on Monday, he claimed that it was the outcome of the core committee meeting as MLAs and party workers from Kolar expressed apprehensions over the BJP delaying finalising the seats.
On condition of anonymity, a former JD(S) minister told South First: “There were some displeasures as the BJP high command had not confirmed us about giving Kolar seat. There are three JD(S) MLAs in Kolar. They had expressed apprehensions about the delay in confirming the seats.”
“The party MLAs and workers were in a state of confusion whether to start campaigning work or not. Hence, Kumaraswamy expressed concerns.”
“We have demanded three seats Hassan, Mandya and Kolar. We are confident that the BJP high command will meet our demands. Apart from this, there are no other qualms between the alliance partners. The official announcement about seat sharing is expected in a day or two,” the source added.
“Last night I had a telephonic discussion with our national leaders, after that, I spoke to former Prime Minister (HD Deve Gowda) over the phone, and have also shared information with HD Kumaraswamy this morning,” Vijayendra said.
Speaking to reporters, he said he is confident that everything will be fine, and the national leadership will make a decision that is satisfactory to the JD(S).
On whether JD(S) will contest in three seats, Vijayendra said the issue is still under discussion. “How can I say anything?”
“If there are any minor issues, for everything there will be a happy ending, and BJP-JD(S)’ NDA alliance will continue successfully,” he said.
Indicating that JD(S) is unhappy over the seat-sharing issue, Kumaraswamy on Monday said he has faith that the regional party will get three to four seats, amid reports that the saffron party may cede it only two.
The former chief minister also said his party leaders have asked him to communicate to the BJP leadership about the need to treat the JD(S) “respectfully” and make them understand its strength in at least 18 Lok Sabha segments.
JD(S) joined the NDA last September and has forged an electoral alliance with the BJP.
The regional party is expected to contest in three seats — Mandya, Hassan and Kolar — and as per agreement between both parties, noted cardiac surgeon, and Deve Gowda’s son-in-law Dr CN Manjunath has been fielded from Bangalore Rural on a BJP ticket.
However, according to recent reports, BJP is not ready to cede Kolar seat to the JD(S), which has irked the regional outfit.
On Congress sending feelers to BJP leader and former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Vijayendra said, he is confident that everything will be fine and there is no question of him crossing over and he will remain in BJP.
Gowda is upset over being denied a ticket to recontest from Bangalore North Lok Sabha seat.
Asked about senior party leader KS Eshwarappa who has raised a banner of rebellion and is contesting as an independent from Shimoga Lok Sabha seat, Vijayendra said, “he is a senior leader, certain wrong information has gone to him and he is reacting to it, and I’m confident that everything will be fine, once he understands the truth.”
(With PTI inputs)
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