Bengaluru: The JD (S) has already started preparations behind the scenes to face the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and is likely to forge an alliance with the BJP to avenge its defeat.
The JD (S), which is gearing up for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Zilla and Taluk panchayat elections, is said to be quietly entering into an alliance with the BJP.
It is learnt that the JD (S) has decided to form an alliance for the Lok Sabha elections after the results of the BBMP and Taluk and Zilla panchayat elections.
A JD (S) leader said that it is not possible right now to decide whether the JD (S) will go alone in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections or forge an alliance with like-minded parties.
However, sources in the know say that Senior JD (S) Leader and Former Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy, who recently visited Delhi, is likely to hold talks with top BJP leaders.
The JD (S) had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the Congress. Both the parties managed to win one seat each – Hassan JD(S) and Bengaluru Rural (Congress). The reason for the defeat was attributed to the fact that their secular base was the same.
If the alliance is formed, the JD (S) will give up about 5-6 seats which it says will win. The BJP may ask for full support in the remaining constituencies. Political analysts are of the view that a direct and indirect alliance could benefit both parties to some extent.
The possibility of JD (S) and BJP working together against the Siddaramaiah-led Congress Government cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, the BJP is yet to select its Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had recently said that the appointments would be made before the Assembly session begins. The Budget session will begin from July 3. The JD(S) and the BJP are likely to corner the Government on certain issues.