In Bengaluru, HD Kumaraswamy, the state president of Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS), voiced his discontent regarding reports suggesting that the BJP plans to allocate merely two seats to his party in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He expressed optimism, aiming for an allocation of three to four seats for his party. Kumaraswamy emphasized the necessity for the BJP leadership to accord the JD(S) due “respect” and recognize its influence across at least 18 Lok Sabha segments.

A comprehensive gathering, inclusive of JD(S) core committee members, observers for all Lok Sabha constituencies, district presidents, as well as incumbent and former MLAs, convened on Monday in the presence of the party’s national president HD Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy.

“I shall reserve my comments until an official announcement is made. I have not demanded six or seven seats. Throughout our deliberations, we have consistently advocated for three to four seats,” Kumaraswamy informed reporters following the assembly.

The former Chief Minister further iterated, “Is it warranted to exert so much effort merely for two seats? Must I accommodate so extensively? In Hassan and Mandya, I am confident in stating that our candidates can emerge victorious even if we contest independently. In a triangular contest, victory appears within reach.”

Having allied with the NDA last September, JD(S) has formed an electoral pact with the BJP, currently engaged in discussions regarding seat allocation. The regional party anticipates contesting in Mandya, Hassan, and Kolar. According to the arrangement between the BJP and JD(S), distinguished cardiac surgeon and Deve Gowda’s son-in-law, Dr. C N Manjunath, has been nominated from Bangalore Rural on a BJP ticket.

However, reports suggest that the BJP is reluctant to concede the Kolar seat to JD(S), resulting in dissatisfaction within the alliance.