With poll plans in many states, JD(S) to expand

The JD(S), which is looking at a grand alliance with non-NDA forces, aims to expand its base across the country by contesting in at least five to 10 other states, including Karnataka, in the Lok Sabha elections.

The party, which is holding its two-day national executive here, deliberated on its role in bringing down the “communal forces” through state-specific alliances.

The national executive has taken a resolution, calling upon secular and democratic parties to come together to defeat the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. The resolution will be passed during the national council meeting, at the Palace Grounds on Wednesday.

The executive also appealed to JD(S) supremo and national president H D Deve Gowda to take the lead in bringing together secular forces.

Addressing the media, the party’s secretary general Danish Ali said that the JD(S) was looking at fielding candidates in states like Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, in addition to Karnataka and Kerala.

While the party is negotiating with its coalition partner Congress for 10 to 12 seats in Karnataka, in Kerala, it will be forging an alliance with the Left parties (Left Democratic Front). Ali himself will be contesting from Uttar Pradesh.

“Though we are a small party, we have a major responsibility. Whenever in the past the situation has arisen, JD(S)
has played a key role in bringing together secular forces,” said Ali.

However, as the 20 plus secular parties cannot be accommodated in every state, regional leaders would lead the alliances locally, he added.

When asked if a decision on seat-sharing in Karnataka had been arrived at, Ali said that the 2:1 (Congress: JD-S) formula would be followed.

Ali downplayed the ongoing fracas between the JD(S), especially Chief Minister
H D Kumaraswamy, and the Congress. When asked about Kumaraswamy’s outburst on Monday, where he lashed out at the Congress, saying that
he was willing to even step down, Ali said that the grand old party had addressed the matter.

“The Congress high command has taken it very seriously. It has instructed local leaders not to indulge in such things. There is a good understanding between the leadership of both the parties. We will try our best to ensure that such things do not recur,” he added.