JD(S) allies with BJP in Karnataka

New Delhi: In a significant development for the BJP in South India, the JD(S), led by former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda, officially joined the BJP-led NDA alliance on Friday. This move comes ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls scheduled for early next year. The alliance was announced after a meeting between JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy and Union home minister Amit Shah, along with BJP president J.P. Nadda.

Both the BJP and the JD(S) expressed optimism about this alliance, with the BJP stating that JD(S)'s association with them would "lead Karnataka on the path of development and pave the way for a stronger NDA and a stronger India."

Amit Shah shared his thoughts on a social media platform, saying, "Met former Karnataka CM and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy along with BJP president JP Nadda. Expressing their trust in PM Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India, the JD(S) has decided to be a part of the NDA. I warmly welcome JD(S) to the NDA family. Their association will lead Karnataka on the path of development and pave the way for a stronger NDA and a stronger India."

Former Karnataka CM and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, after the meeting, stated, "Today formally we discussed about joining hands with the BJP. We've discussed the preliminary issues formally... There is no demand (from our side)."

BJP national president J.P. Nadda also shared the news on a social media platform, saying, "Met former chief minister Karnataka and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy in the presence of our senior leader and home minister Amit Shah. I am happy that JD(S) has decided to be the part of National Democratic Alliance. We wholeheartedly welcome them in the NDA..." Goa CM Pramod Sawant was also present during the meeting.

The JD(S), headed by former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda, has historically been a significant third player in Karnataka, where the Congress and the BJP have been the two main parties. In the recent Assembly polls in the state, the JD(S) came third, with the Congress achieving a substantial victory. The BJP, as the leader of the NDA, believes that forming an alliance with the JD(S) will enhance its prospects in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, particularly in south Karnataka, where the regional party has traditionally held influence and where the saffron party has been relatively weaker.