Lok Sabha Polls: JD(S) Expresses Displeasure Over Seat-Sharing Arrangement With BJP In Karnataka

HD Kumaraswamy expressed confidence in the BJP's understanding of JD(S)'s strength, reiterating his expectation that the BJP would allocate three to four seats to his partyok Sabha segments

Former Karnataka chief minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy addresses a press conference ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: Amidst speculations regarding seat-sharing arrangements for the Lok Sabha election in Karnataka, HD Kumaraswamy, Former Karnataka chief minister and the state President of JD(S), voiced discontent over reports suggesting that the BJP would allocate only two seats to the regional party. Kumaraswamy on Monday and said he has faith that his party would be given three-to-four seats.

The former chief minister said his party leaders have asked him to communicate to the BJP leadership the need to treat the JD(S) respectfully and make them understand its strength in at least 18 Lok Sabha segments. During a meeting on Monday attended by JD(S) core committee members, observers for all Lok Sabha constituencies, district presidents, and sitting and former MLAs, the party's national President H D Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy were present, reported PTI.

Responding to inquiries about reports suggesting that the BJP may only allocate two seats to JD(S), Kumaraswamy said,  "I will not speak until there is an official announcement. I have not asked for six or seven seats. Since the day discussions began between both of us, we have asked for three-to-four seats."

Addressing reporters following the meeting, Kumaraswamy expressed confidence in the BJP's understanding of JD(S)'s strength, reiterating his expectation that the BJP would allocate three to four seats to his party. He questioned the need for excessive effort or adjustments to settle for just two seats, asserting that JD(S) remains a formidable force, especially in constituencies like Hassan and Mandya.

JD(S) Entered Into An Alliance With NDA Last September

Kumaraswamy said that JD(S) candidates could secure victory even if the party contests independently in these areas. The JD(S), which entered into an alliance with the NDA last September, is currently engaged in seat-sharing negotiations with the BJP as both parties prepare for the upcoming elections.

The regional party, JD(S), is anticipated to contest in three seats - Mandya, Hassan, and Kolar. According to the agreement between both parties, noted cardiac surgeon and Deve Gowda's son-in-law, Dr. C N Manjunath, has been nominated as the BJP candidate from Bangalore Rural. However, tensions have arisen due to reports suggesting that the BJP may withhold the Kolar seat from JD(S), prompting dissatisfaction within the regional outfit, as per PTI.

Kumaraswamy said, "In several constituencies, if we transfer our strength, BJP has a plus point. Karnataka's politics is different from politics in the rest of the country. The political picture in Karnataka is different; bring it to their notice is what they have told me."
 According to some of his party leaders, "the BJP-JD(S) alliance is not beneficial to the JD(S) in a big way", he said. 

He also said that the potential electoral advantage that JD(S) votes could provide to BJP candidates in 18 Lok Sabha segments.  "They want me to bring it to the notice of the BJP high command that -- let them (BJP) use it (JDS strength) properly; if not and if there are negative consequences, they will be responsible. We will not be responsible", he added. 

Former Chief Minister Kumaraswamy highlighted the expectation of JD(S) leaders for reciprocal cooperation from the BJP, mirroring the support extended by JD(S) to its ally. He said that certain issues were brought to the attention of BJP leadership for rectification, emphasising the importance of proper coordination in various aspects such as leader meetings, campaign collaborations, and booth-level worker involvement. 

Should Be Treated Respectfully: JD(S)

Kumaraswamy pointed out that JD(S) maintains an advantage over the BJP in two to three assembly constituencies in Bijapur (Vijayapura) and Kalaburagi. Kumaraswamy said, In such places, there should be a discussion with BJP high command on how to use our leaders.

"We should be treated respectfully, we discussed in the meeting what will be the consequences if we are neglected.  By discussing all this with the BJP high command, it has been decided to frame programmes aimed at taking everyone together cordially and work unitedly", Kumaraswamy said. 

Meanwhile, the JD(S) second-in-command announced his plans to undergo medical treatment in Chennai starting Tuesday, rendering him unavailable for the next five days.