JDS seeks six Lok Sabha seats in BJP coalition, G.T. Deve Gowda 

Team Udayavani, Feb 9, 2024, 4:55 PM IST

Former Minister G.T. Deve Gowda has revealed that the Janata Dal (Secular) party (JDS) has sought six Lok Sabha constituencies in collaboration with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the media during a press conference on Friday, G.T. Deve Gowda stated that the JDS has requested the Hassan, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysuru, Bengaluru North, rural, Kolar, and Chikkaballapur constituencies as part of the coalition agreement. He further mentioned conveying this proposal to HD Kumaraswamy.

He further said that the party will welcome Sumalata Ambarish as the BJP candidate for the Mandya constituency, however, he also hinted at her possible shift to the Congress, revealing a meeting with CM Siddaramaiah and Narayana Gowda.

Expressing a joint strategy with the BJP to secure victory in all 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state, G.T. Deve Gowda emphasized that preparations have been diligently made for this purpose. He also noted that Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s decision to contest is pending and suggested that if Kumaraswamy opts out, a candidate from the Gowda family will stand independently.

G.T. Deve Gowda highlighted the JDS workers’ approval of the alliance with the BJP, citing unanimity among them. Criticizing the Congress for alleged violence and oppression, he reiterated the collective objective of ousting the current government and advocated for Narendra Modi’s re-election as Prime Minister.

Regarding former CM HD Kumaraswamy’s participation in a recent event in Mandya district, where he notably did not don the BJP symbol on his saffron shawl, G.T. Deve Gowda stressed the ideological disparities between the BJP and JDS. He affirmed the party’s commitment to upholding its principles while building its strength.

Commenting on the central government’s grant allocation, G.T. Deve Gowda maintained that grants are disbursed in accordance with Finance Commission guidelines, asserting no injustice in the process. He vowed to advocate for the rightful allocation of grants to Karnataka.

Criticizing CM Siddaramaiah’s contributions to the state, G.T. Deve Gowda cited a meager allocation of Rs. 50 lakh for MLAs and alleged a lack of developmental initiatives beyond grant distribution.

Amidst political speculation, G.T. Deve Gowda suggested Mallikarjuna Kharge as an ideal candidate for Prime Minister. However, he criticized Siddaramaiah for endorsing Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy for Prime Minister.