Will finalise seat sharing strategies by Jan-end: Gowda

JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Wednesday said that his party will chalk out its seat-sharing strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, during the party’s national executive meeting slated to be held in Bengaluru on January 29 and 30.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of party leaders comprising MLAs, MLCs and former legislators, Gowda said that the JD(S) had extended support to the Left parties in Kerala, and had partnered with the Congress in
Karnataka.

Gowda said that his party would first identify Lok Sabha constituencies where it had a presence, following which negotiations will be held with the Congress. “We have sought 12 seats, but we haven’t specified the constituencies,” he
added.

When asked about his candidature, Gowda said he would first want to concentrate on strengthening the party.

“I have been going to the Parliament for the last 29 years. First I want to strengthen my party. We will talk about my candidature later,” he said.

Gowda also said that he would urge the JD(S) leaders to take on the responsibility of party organisation, as his son H D Kumaraswamy was shouldering bigger responsibilities as a chief minister.

Reacting to the recent row over appointments to boards and corporations, Gowda said that he had instructed his partymen not to make any negative remarks against the Congress, for it might hurt the coalition government. He said that senior leaders of both parties will resolve issues amicably.