New Delhi, September 22, 2023 – In a significant political development, the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) has officially joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the upcoming general election. The announcement came after a crucial meeting between senior JDS leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President JP Nadda in Delhi.
No specifics regarding seat-sharing arrangements in the southern state have been disclosed as yet, with Kumaraswamy stating, “Discussions will continue on seat-sharing.”
A photograph shared by Mr. Nadda on social media captured the leaders deeply engaged in discussions, followed by another image showing them standing shoulder-to-shoulder, symbolically wrapped in a ceremonial shawl.
Expressing his contentment, BJP President JP Nadda stated, “I am happy JDS has decided to be part of National Democratic Alliance. We wholeheartedly welcome them. This will strengthen NDA and vision of PM Narendra Modiji for ‘New India, Strong India’.”
Last week, JDS patriarch HD Deve Gowda had initiated talks with senior BJP leaders in Delhi, emphasizing that his aim was “not to become Prime Minister again but to save this party.” He further noted, “I saved this party even when HD Kumaraswamy went with the BJP.”
HD Kumaraswamy hinted that more details would be revealed after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, dismissing speculations about the JDS receiving four seats in the Old Mysuru region, where the BJP was perceived to have lost ground to the Congress in the May Assembly election.
This political alliance marks a significant shift as the JDS and the BJP had previously joined forces to form a government in 2007, which collapsed after 20 months due to disputes over power-sharing. Subsequently, the JDS had allied with the Congress for the 2019 Lok Sabha election but was soundly defeated by the BJP, which secured 25 out of 28 seats in the state.
Senior BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa had broken the news of the JDS-BJP alliance, stating that the smaller party would contest from Mandya and three other seats, with the expectation of winning “25 or 26 seats.”
In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the JDS had performed poorly, winning only one seat and securing approximately nine percent of the votes. However, in the Assembly election earlier this year, the party improved its performance, garnering around 14 percent of the votes and winning 19 seats, down from 37 in 2018. In contrast, the BJP had polled 36 percent of the votes in the Assembly election and had swept the state in 2019.
Despite previous electoral outcomes, the alliance may make sense due to the JDS’s continued influence in eight Lok Sabha segments in the Old Mysuru region, including key constituencies like Mandya, Hassan, Bengaluru (Rural), and Chikballapur. These segments are considered significant assets for the JDS, and their inclusion in the alliance with the BJP could prove advantageous. Moreover, the JDS’s influence among Vokkalinga voters may strengthen the BJP’s position, especially as the Congress has made inroads into this traditionally BJP-leaning community.
News Summary:
- Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) has officially joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the general election.
- The alliance was announced after a crucial meeting between HD Kumaraswamy, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda.
- Details regarding seat-sharing arrangements in Karnataka are yet to be finalized.
- The move marks a significant political shift as the JDS and BJP had previously allied in 2007, and the JDS later aligned with the Congress in 2019 but faced defeat.
- The alliance is seen as strategically valuable for both parties, with the JDS having influence in key constituencies and among Vokkalinga voters, potentially strengthening the BJP’s electoral prospects.
