JD(S) Formally Joins NDA Ahead Of LS Polls, Kumaraswamy Says ‘Seat Sharing Is Not A Significant Hurdle’

JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy formally announced the party's inclusion in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) bloc ahead of Lok Sabha Election 2024.

BJP President JP Nadda and Goa CM Pramod Sawant were also present during the meeting. ( Image Source :Twitter/@JPNadda )

Former Karnataka CM and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Friday and formally announced the party's inclusion in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) bloc. BJP president JP Nadda and Goa CM Pramod Sawant were also present at the meeting. Earlier, former CM Yediyurappa confirmed the alliance between the two parties for Lok Sabha polls 2024.

Former Karnataka CM and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to formally join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). 

After meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, Former Karnataka CM and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy told ANI, "Today formally we discussed about joining hands with the BJP. We've discussed the preliminary issues formally...There is no demand (from our side)."

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, BJP president Nadda said, "Met Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and JD(S) leader Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy in the presence of our senior leader and Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji. I am happy that JD(S) has decided to be the part of National Democratic Alliance. We wholeheartedly welcome them in the NDA. This will further strengthen NDA and the vision of Hon PM @narendramodi Ji for “New India, Strong India.”

Met Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and JD(S) leader Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy in the presence of our senior leader and Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji.
I am happy that JD(S) has decided to be the part of National Democratic Alliance. We wholeheartedly welcome them in the NDA.… pic.twitter.com/eRDUdCwLJc

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) September 22, 2023

Though Yediyurappa said that four seats have been finalised for JD(S) in the state, HDK said that seat-sharing talks are not final.

Speaking to reporters at Shah's residence, Kumaraswamy stated, "Today, we have officially joined the NDA. We have formed the alliance against the Congress. Congress is mired in corruption within the state and is acting against the interests of farmers. We have aligned with the NDA against the Congress."

"There is a positive response from both sides. Seat sharing is not a significant hurdle, and we will resolve this matter amicably as both parties are optimistic about the alliance, Kumaraswamy emphasised addressing the crucial issue of seat sharing, as quoted by news agency PTI.

PTI reported sources close to the development as disclosing that the BJP High Command will finalise the allocation of seats and constituencies after engaging in deliberations with the leaders of the Karnataka state BJP unit. The official announcement of seat allocations is expected post the Dussehra festival, which falls on October 24.

While seat allotment discussions are ongoing, sources told PTI that JD(S) may secure 3 to 4 seats out of the 28 at stake, despite their initial demand for 6 to 8 seats. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, believed to have played a pivotal role in the negotiations with Kumaraswamy, attended the meeting, along with the former chief minister's son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy.