BJP And JD(S) Finalise Seat-Sharing Deal In Karnataka For Lok Sabha Elections: Report

In a latest development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly reached a seat-sharing agreement with the Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] in Karnataka ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Under the arrangement, the HD Deve Gowda-led JD(S) has secured three seats for contesting in the state.

According to reports, the JD(S) will field candidates in Karnataka's Mandya, Hassan, and Kolar constituencies.

Additionally, in Bangalore Rural, Deve Gowda's son-in-law CN Manjunath will contest on the BJP's symbol.

The announcement comes days after JDS leaders expressed their concerns to the party leadership after the BJP announced candidates for 20 out of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats.

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In response, HD Kumaraswamy, senior JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister, threatened to announce candidates independently if the JD(S) did not secure three seats in the seat-sharing agreement.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had secured 25 out of Karnataka's 28 seats, with the Congress and JD(S) winning one seat each.

Of the three seats allocated to the JD(S), Kolar is currently held by the BJP, Hassan by the JD(S), and Mandya by an Independent candidate.

As per report, the negotiations between the BJP and JD(S) had faced a deadlock, particularly over the Kolar seat, with the BJP insisting on retaining it due to its victory in the previous election.

However, the JD(S) stood firm on its demand for three seats in the agreement.

Meanwhile, amid the standoff, the ruling Congress criticized the JD(S), suggesting that the regional party is uncomfortable with its alliance with the BJP.

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