JD(S) will bargain with Congress for mayor post: HD Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru: JD(S) State President Mr H.D. Kumaraswamy has said that his party will stick to its demand for the mayor post in BBMP this time as they had supported the Congress bid for the same post in the BBMP council last year.

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Mr Kumaraswamy said that JD(S) corporators had urged him to demand the mayor post. “I don't know what transpired between Home Minister Mr Ramalinga Reddy and JD(S) supremo Mr H.D. Deve Gowda in the discussion held today. I will get the details and then talk to Mr Reddy,”he said.

Of the 198 elected members in the BBMP council, the BJP  has 100 seats, Congress, 76 and JD(S), 14. 

Earlier in the day, Mr Reddy called on Mr Gowda and sought  continuation of the Congress-JD(S) alliance in the BBMP. Mr Gowda asked Mr Reddy to talk to Mr Kumaraswamy and finalise the issues. The former PM said Mr Kumaraswamy will take a final decision after talking to Mr Reddy as well as JD(S) corporators.

Meanwhile, Mr Deve Gowda chaired a meeting of new party office bearers as well as sitting legislators in a private hotel, where he assured tickets to sitting MLAs. He urged party office bearers to ensure that party offices were opened in every taluk in the state. “We are committed to make the existing leaders next level leaders. However, those who do not work, would be shown the door,” he added.