Bommai hints at BJP-JD(S) pact for LS poll

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru/ Hubballi: Amid unconfirmed reports that JD(S) top leader and former CM HD Kumaraswamy may attend the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meet in Delhi, senior BJP leader and former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday hinted at talks regarding the JD(S) joining the NDA ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, the Congress claimed that their allegations over JD(S) being the 'B-team' of BJP is now proven and dubbed the regional outfit an "opportunistic party", which is ready to join hands with anyone for the sake of power.

In response to a question on the possibility of JD(S) joining the NDA, Bommai said, "That is for the discussion between our leadership and JD(S) President H D Deve Gowda."

Recently, there have been enough indications from leaders of BJP and JD(S) about both parties coming to an understanding ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

BJP veteran B S Yediyurappa had said his party and the JD(S) would fight the Congress government in the state together. Kumaraswamy, on his part, had said a decision on an electoral understanding for the Lok Sabha polls will be taken when the situation arises.

The BJP swept the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka by winning 25 of the total 28 seats in the state, while an independent backed by it won in one constituency. The Congress and JD(S) secured one seat each.