The JD(S) state unit’s main body has no alliance with the BJP, fueling speculation of a split

The JD(S) state unit is led by CM Ibrahim, a former Union minister, who has urged party president HD Deve Gowda to quit the alliance, arguing that joining forces with the saffron party would be against the principle of secularism. .

“Our first decision is that the JD(S) does not agree to the NDA. The second decision was a request to Deve Gowda not to give consent to this alliance,” news agency PTI quoted him as saying.

Ibrahim pointed out that the JD(S) has lost leaders in the neighboring states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala since the alliance with the BJP was announced last month.

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“However, in Karnataka we still have affection for you (Deve Gowda). You are a father figure. We will tell him (Gowda) that we should not have any relationship with the BJP,” Ibrahim reportedly said.

Reacting to Ibrahim’s statement, JD(S) second-in-command HD Kumaraswamy said the veteran leader is “very independent” and “we will wait for his decision”.

Ibrahim, when asked by reporters about his next step in case Gowda and Kumaraswamy continue to stick with the BJP, said his decision not to associate with the Center ruling party is final. “We have already decided that we will not go with the BJP. What else is there than this?”

“We ask them (Gowda and Kumaraswamy) not to go. If they go, we can’t bind them. As for (JD-S) MLAs, wait and see who, how many and where these MLAs will decide. We will inform you when the time comes,” PTI further quoted him as saying.

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Updated: Oct 16, 2023 7:37 PM IST