In a significant political development, the Janata Dal (Secular), led by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, has announced an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka. This alliance marks the formal entry of JD(S) into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), setting the stage for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The announcement of this alliance was made by JD(S) leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy after a crucial meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP Chief J P Nadda in the national capital.
Warm Welcome to NDA
J P Nadda extended a warm welcome to JD(S) as it officially joined the NDA fold. He expressed his happiness over JD(S)’s decision, stating, “I am happy that JD(S) has decided to be a part of the National Democratic Alliance. We wholeheartedly welcome them into the NDA. This will further strengthen the NDA and align with the vision of Honorable PM Narendra Modi for ‘New India, Strong India,'” as posted by the BJP chief.
Strengthening NDA’s Presence in Karnataka
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who was also present during the crucial meeting, emphasized that JD(S) partnering with BJP is a strategic move aimed at bolstering the NDA’s presence and influence in the state of Karnataka. Regarding the contentious issue of seat sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Sawant stated that both parties would engage in discussions to reach a mutually agreeable arrangement. He expressed confidence in the BJP’s ability to secure victory in all the parliamentary constituencies in Karnataka during the forthcoming national elections.
Previous Electoral Performance
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP emerged victorious in 25 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka, consolidating its political standing in the state. In contrast, JD(S) secured just one seat. This electoral outcome underscored the BJP’s dominant position in Karnataka.
Alliance Dynamics After Assembly Elections
The speculations regarding a potential alliance between the BJP and JD(S) gained momentum following the Karnataka assembly elections earlier this year. The Congress emerged as the victor in those elections, securing 135 seats, while the BJP managed 66 seats and JD(S) secured 19 seats. The JD(S) witnessed a significant decline in both its seat tally and vote share in this election.
JD(S) as a Pivotal Third Player
Historically, the JD(S) has played the role of a substantial third player in the political landscape of Karnataka, alongside the Congress and BJP.
In summary, the Janata Dal (Secular) under the leadership of HD Deve Gowda has forged an alliance with the BJP in Karnataka and officially become a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), setting the stage for the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
