Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) supremo, HD Deve Gowda, has made headlines with his recent discussions in the national capital, Delhi. Gowda expressed his commitment to the welfare of Karnataka and his party’s survival. While these talks did not delve into seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he emphasized that his son, H.D. Kumaraswamy, would engage with BJP leaders to establish mutual understanding.
Addressing JD(S) party workers in Bengaluru, Gowda defended his actions, stating that they were driven by the need to safeguard a regional party he had nurtured for four decades. He clarified that his discussions with Prime Minister Modi and other BJP leaders did not involve seat allocation requests. He highlighted the need for transparency in these negotiations, ensuring nothing remained hidden from public view.
Gowda acknowledged BJP’s strength in various segments while emphasizing that JD(S) also possessed substantial voter support in specific regions. He underscored the importance of cooperation between the two parties to secure electoral success.
In response to criticism, particularly from Congress leaders, for his engagement with the BJP leadership, Gowda refrained from personal attacks, emphasizing that he had nothing to gain at his advanced age.
The possibility of a political alliance between JD(S) and BJP has been a subject of discussion, with hints of BJP conceding four out of Karnataka’s 28 Lok Sabha seats to JD(S). However, Kumaraswamy clarified that these discussions were still in their early stages, with no decisions made on seat allocation.
Gowda’s actions have sparked debates about the morality of political alliances, with Kumaraswamy asserting that any collaboration between JD(S) and BJP should prioritize the state’s interests and development over personal gains.
As the political landscape in Karnataka evolves, these discussions continue to shape the future of regional politics in the state.
PTI
