Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 19: The coalition partners in Karnataka have set an aim to reduce the BJP to single digits in the state in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. On March 31, Congress led by Rahul Gandhi and Janata Dal (Secular) led by Deve Gowda will display a show of unity with a joint rally in Bengaluru.
In a joint press conference held by JD(S) and Congress on Tuesday March 19, leaders from both parties requested its disgruntled workers to keep their differences aside and work with one goal on defeating their common enemy BJP.
While former PM H D Deve Gowda assured to resolve issues along with former CM Siddaramaiah, arising in any constituency, Siddaramaiah, who is the chairman of the coordination and monitoring committee, said strict orders will be issued to party workers to overlook any difference. "Everyone must work with each other with the single aim of defeating the BJP," Siddaramaiah stressed.
The JD(S) will fight eight seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls while Congress will contest the remaining 20, as per the pre-poll agreement.
"We will fight together. We shall set an example in the upcoming rally. Today, Siddaramaiah and I are sitting next to each other. While Modi mocks the idea of Mahaghatbandhan, BJP is running coalition governments in many states. We will win the election and this will be our answer to them," said Deve Gowda.
He also said the party is focusing on defeating BJP, while the smaller issues within the coalition can be solved later. "Issues in Mandya and Mysore will be solved," he assured.
To a question surrounding reports of Congressman Pramod Madhwaraj contesting on JD(S) ticket and BJP's Jayaprakash Hegde also being given the party ticket, he said, "Names of both Pramod Madhwaraj and J P Hegde are being considered. There is also a woman candidate being considered. We will come to a decision in two or three days and release the final list."
However, political analysts feel what is being dismissed as small skirmishes could benefit the BJP, especially with Sumalatha Ambareesh, who has decided to take on the combined might of the JD(S) and Congress in Mandya.
Sumalatha, the wife of former Congress leader and yesteryears actor, H.Ambareesh is upset that Congress gave up the Mandya parliamentary constituency to JD(S), which is fielding Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the son of Karnataka CM H D Kumaraswamy.
Even JD(S) workers are upset that the local leaders’ contribution is being neglected to promote Nikhil, while Congress workers are fuming that JD(S) is taking advantage of the coalition, to secure political careers of its family members.
Meanwhile, the top leaders of the coalition are hoping to continue its November by-poll success in which it won four of the five election that included two parliamentary and two assembly seats.
With nomination process commencing in Karnataka, the two parties are now pacifying its disgruntled workers and hoping to carry out joint campaigns as well.
Parameshwara's absence is like marriage without bride: BJP
Incidentally, deputy chief minsiter Dr G Parameshwara was absent at the press meet.
Parameshwara's absence was noted by BJP, who took a dig on twitter to highlight all is not well within the coalition.
"Alas! Congress-JDS leaders tried to send a message of unity by holding joint press conference. But Deputy CM @DrParameshwara, who is the face of Congress in coalition government, skipped the crucial meeting. It was like a marriage without bride," said a tweet from the official BJP’s handle for Karnataka.
It is believed that Parameshwara decided to stay away from the show of unity press conference as he was upset that Congress had not retained Tumkur seat.
He had even requested JD(S) to return the Tumkur seat to Congress, if H D Deve Gowda is not contesting from the constituency.
The seat is held by Congress’s S P Muddahanumegowda and the DCM said the ticket should be given to the sitting MLA, as per the resolution taken by Congress.