‘Local JD(S) can decide:’ HDK rules out BJP tie-up

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: Putting all speculation to rest, former CM and State Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy on Tuesday ruled out a tie-up with any political party including the ruling BJP in the coming elections to 25 seats of the Legislative Council from the local bodies constituencies slated to be held on December 10.

He has empowered local voters to take their own decision in 19 constituencies where the JD(S) is not contesting on the condition that any decision they take should help the party achieve the target of 123 seats in the 2023 Assembly polls.

Kumaraswamy told the media that ever since the Council election dates were announced, rumours have been doing the rounds on the JD(S). It all started after former CM and senior BJP Leader B.S.Yediyurappa sought JD(S) support in 19 constituencies where it has not fielded candidates. This calls for setting the record straight that the JDS would not have a tieup with any party, he said. “We have already reached the final stages of the poll campaign. The stand my party takes has kept everyone on tenterhooks. The rumour mill was agog about a BJP-JD(S) alliance in the Council polls. This was done purposefully by some people to create confusion. As usual, after the declaration of poll dates, Congress leaders branded the JD(S) as the ‘B’ team of the BJP. They went to the extent of saying that the JD(S) has fielded its candidates in six constituencies and has a tacit understanding in the remaining 19 constituencies. On the other hand, there was no formal request from the BJP regarding a poll pact though Yediyurappa had been requesting the JD(S) for support. With all respect, we too have been saying that there will be no alliance with any party including the BJP and we will fight the election independently”, the former CM said.

He categorised the Congress and BJP as common enemies and said the JD(S) would maintain equidistance from them and is confident of winning all six seats. Though the decision may serve as an advantage for someone, it will be temporary. “I don’t require a Congress certificate. Even today, Yediyurappa has sought our party’s support for BJP candidates. The BJP veteran had spoken to me over phone. The question here is not who will win and who will lose. Our ultimate goal is to win 123 seats in the 2023 Assembly elections. A triangular fight is expected in Hassan, Mandya, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Mysuru and Tumakuru constituencies. When we are fighting the BJP, where is the question of a tie-up”, he wondered. The former CM said JD(S) voters will support the Congress in some constituencies and the BJP in some other constituencies where the party is not contesting. The JD(S) MLA of Sindhanur is backing the Congress while some others have an understanding with the BJP. Of the six seats the party is contesting, there is a close fight only in three places, he added.