BJP leaders in Mandya district, Karnataka, are against forming an alliance with the JD(S) for the upcoming local body elections. This opposition stems from a statement made by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who mentioned that his party would contest the polls independently. The displeasure among BJP leaders was evident during a core committee meeting where figures like former MP Sumalatha Ambareesh and former Minister K.C. Narayana Gowda expressed their discontent.
Narayana Gowda highlighted the BJP’s support for the JD(S) in the past, particularly in relinquishing the Mandya Lok Sabha seat to H.D. Kumaraswamy. However, with Deve Gowda’s recent announcement, indicating a shift towards independent contesting, BJP leaders feel sidelined. Sumalatha Ambareesh and Narayana Gowda emphasized the BJP’s readiness to go solo in the local body elections, citing the party’s strength in the region and past electoral support for the JD(S).
Sumalatha Ambareesh echoed the uncertainty surrounding a potential alliance with the JD(S) in the local body polls. She mentioned that the party leadership’s directives would guide their course of action. Meanwhile, Deve Gowda clarified JD(S)’s intention to independently participate in the Karnataka local body elections, focusing on strengthening the party at the grassroots level. He affirmed the party’s commitment to the NDA for Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
