JDS not invited to NDA nor Mahagathbandhan meet: Kumaraswamy

BENGALURU: Janata Dal Secular (JDS) leader and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday stated that he has no invitation to participate in the meeting of leaders of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Bharatiya Janata Party in New Delhi nor to the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) meeting in Bengaluru where leaders of Opposition parties-Congress party, Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress Party among others are taking part to formulate strategy for the Lok Sabha polls in 2024.

Putting all speculations to rest that JDS-BJP alliance for the Lok Sabha polls is on the cards, Kumaraswamy told reporters in Bengaluru on Monday that “In my opinion, it would be a premature talk on forging alliance for the Lok Sabha elections since the polls are 8-9 months away.” He observed that public opinion keeps changing from elections to elections and let’s see how things take turn in coming days.  

Over the Mahagathbandhan meet in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy said “The organisers of Mahagathbandhan have not considered JDS and they might be under the impression that JDS is a closed chapter. I’m not bothered about the invite.”

“I have come across huge banners of leaders taking part in Mahagathbandhan meet and crores of rupees has been spent on the meet,” he said and questioned “What’s the purpose of the meet in Bengaluru?”

“I’m busy in initiating steps to strengthen JDS in Karnataka and solve people’s problems,” he said and stated that about 42 farmers had committed suicide and the new state government has not taken any measures to instil confidence among the farmers not to take the drastic step of ending life.

Kumaraswamy said JDS has fought for farmers and would do so in the coming days with his party workers, since the state government has no concern for farmers suicides.