Polls: No alliance between BJP, JD(S)

Leaders favour fielding only candidates with a clean image

 
The Congress leaders, Siddaramaiah, R V Deshpande  and D K Shivakumar and others attended a meeting to discuss the preparations to be made for the elections.

The leaders and workers took exception to the reported remarks made by JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy that some Congress leaders were on the payroll of the ruling BJP. And, the Congress cannot win the BBMP elections without the support of the JD(S).

Besides, the Congress men are of the view that the JD(S) has hardly any base in the State capital and hence the Congress will in no way be benefited. The leaders also favoured fielding only candidates with a clean image –– meaning without criminal background, and party-hoppers.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Deshpande said there was no proposal before the Party to have an understanding with the JD(S). “The party will contest from all the 198 seats. The high command has not given any direction for the State leaders to have an alliance with the JD(S),” he said.

Deshpande, referring to the reported remarks of Kumaraswamy, said it was unfortunate that the JD(S) leader has made such remarks. “If he knows the names of Congress leaders who are taking money from the BJP, then he should reveal the names,” he challenged.

Deshpande said that applications seeking candidature for the polls will be distributed from January 16. Each application will cost Rs 100 and at the time of submission, Rs 5,000 should be paid by aspirants of general category, while it is Rs 2,500 for women and SC/ST candidates.

Strategies worked out

Leaders of the JD(S) also met to work out strategies for the elections. Many leaders reportedly expressed their resentment to go with the Congress in the elections. Party’s state president Kumaraswamy is said to have told the leaders to be prepared to contest in all 198 constituencies, no matter whether the party decides to have alliance with the Congress.

Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy said that the party would take the elections as a challenge and make all efforts to win good number of seats.