BJP-JD(S) alliance struggles amid internal conflicts | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: Though very effective in the Lok Sabha elections where it won 19 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, the alliance between BJP and JD(S) has struggled to out manoeuvre governing Congress. Cracks have now appeared in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state, exposing a lack of coordination between the two parties.
The recent budget session of the legislature highlighted this disarray. When the bill proposing 4% reservation for Muslims in govt contracts was moved, BJP and JD(S) failed to align strategy, allowing the bill to advance despite Congress lacking a majority in the legislative council. Had they worked together, they could have compelled the govt to refer it to a select committee — as they had done last year with the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill.
Tensions between the allies have deepened, with JD(S) chief and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy feeling sidelined. Sources say Kumaraswamy has been particularly upset since Karnataka BJP did not rally behind him when the state revenue department began proceedings to reclaim land Kumaraswamy had allegedly encroached in Kethaganahalli, Ramanagara district. Adding to his troubles, Kumaraswamy’s control over JD(S) has weakened with several party MLAs openly engaging with Congress. And while the BJP launched a series of demonstrations to protests price hikes Wednesday, JD(S) was not part of the extended campaign.
“Plenty has happened since BJP and JD(S) struck up the alliance in 2023,” said Viswas Shetty, political analyst. “Many JD(S) legislators are dissatisfied and are engaging with Congress. Kumaraswamy has no real control over the party, making it difficult for him to get legislators to fall in line. His father, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, is in poor health, and his son, Nikhil, is yet to establish leadership qualities after consecutive electoral defeats.”
The first signs of discord emerged when Kumaraswamy was reportedly overlooked when plans to hold a march to protest chief minister Siddaramaiah’s involvement in the Muda site scam were drawn up. The equation further deteriorated during discussions over the Channapatna bypoll candidate. While BJP wanted to field former MLC CP Yogeeshwara, Kumaraswamy pushed for his son’s candidature, expecting support from BJP — which never came. Since then, tensions have simmered, although Kumaraswamy remains a minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet.
Shetty also pointed to BJP’s internal troubles, saying: “BJP is mired in infighting and divided into two or three factions. Everyone is awaiting central brass’ decision on whether Vijayendra will continue as president or if a new president will be named. With no clarity on leadership, coordination between allies remains uncertain.”
The recent budget session of the legislature highlighted this disarray. When the bill proposing 4% reservation for Muslims in govt contracts was moved, BJP and JD(S) failed to align strategy, allowing the bill to advance despite Congress lacking a majority in the legislative council. Had they worked together, they could have compelled the govt to refer it to a select committee — as they had done last year with the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill.
Tensions between the allies have deepened, with JD(S) chief and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy feeling sidelined. Sources say Kumaraswamy has been particularly upset since Karnataka BJP did not rally behind him when the state revenue department began proceedings to reclaim land Kumaraswamy had allegedly encroached in Kethaganahalli, Ramanagara district. Adding to his troubles, Kumaraswamy’s control over JD(S) has weakened with several party MLAs openly engaging with Congress. And while the BJP launched a series of demonstrations to protests price hikes Wednesday, JD(S) was not part of the extended campaign.
“Plenty has happened since BJP and JD(S) struck up the alliance in 2023,” said Viswas Shetty, political analyst. “Many JD(S) legislators are dissatisfied and are engaging with Congress. Kumaraswamy has no real control over the party, making it difficult for him to get legislators to fall in line. His father, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, is in poor health, and his son, Nikhil, is yet to establish leadership qualities after consecutive electoral defeats.”
The first signs of discord emerged when Kumaraswamy was reportedly overlooked when plans to hold a march to protest chief minister Siddaramaiah’s involvement in the Muda site scam were drawn up. The equation further deteriorated during discussions over the Channapatna bypoll candidate. While BJP wanted to field former MLC CP Yogeeshwara, Kumaraswamy pushed for his son’s candidature, expecting support from BJP — which never came. Since then, tensions have simmered, although Kumaraswamy remains a minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet.
Shetty also pointed to BJP’s internal troubles, saying: “BJP is mired in infighting and divided into two or three factions. Everyone is awaiting central brass’ decision on whether Vijayendra will continue as president or if a new president will be named. With no clarity on leadership, coordination between allies remains uncertain.”
