Lok Sabha success: BJP, JD(S) signal continuation of partnership in Karnataka

BENGALURU: Buoyed by their success as allies in the Lok Sabha elections, BJP and JD(S) functionaries expressed a strong inclination to continue their ties in future elections. This sentiment was evident at a felicitation programme organised by BJP for newly elected MPs of the alliance, where all speakers stressed the importance of maintaining their partnership.
The BJP-JD(S) alliance secured 19 out of 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka, reducing the Congress’ tally to single digits.
“The LS poll results have shown that the BJP-JD(S) tie-up has the blessings of the people,” said Union steel and heavy industries minister HD Kumaraswamy. “We should face all upcoming elections, including zilla and taluk panchayat polls, jointly. If we had stayed together after 2006, the Congress would never have come to power,” he added. R Ashoka, opposition leader in the assembly, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the alliance will not only continue but will also defeat the Congress in the upcoming panchayat elections.
“Our alliance has induced some sort of fear in the Congress camp. This is the reason why they are trying to postpone elections to BBMP and rural local bodies. I challenge the CM and the DCM to hold these elections right now; we will defeat them,” he said.
Union ministers of state V Somanna and Shobha Karandlaje also reiterated the need to stay together. Functionaries of both parties criticised the Congress govt for rolling out what they called unscientific guarantees. “Because of these guarantees, the state is facing a financial crunch. This has led the state govt to hike fuel prices,” said Union food and civil supplies minister Pralhad Joshi.
Former CM BS Yediyurappa and state BJP president BY Vijayendra were present.
Somanna-Vijayendra rift comes to fore
The differences between newly inducted Union minister of state VSomanna and state BJP president BY Vijayendra was highlighted once again at the programme. During his speech, Somanna indirectly blamed Vijayendra for the party’s defeat in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region and in the Davanagere Lok Sabha seat. “We had never lost so many seats in the H-K region.
Davanagere was our bastion. But we lost them due to lack of coordination,” he alleged. Vijayendra has been accused of orchestrating the defeat of BJP candidate Gayatri Siddeshwara in the seat. “I request Vijayendra to differentiate between those who really work for the party and those who do not.
Don’t punish someone for the wrongs of others,” Somanna added. He further credited the JD(S) for playing a significant role in his victory in Tumkur seat.