JD(S) Chief HD Deve Gowda Firmly Rejects Alliance, Vows Independent Battle in 2024 Polls

New Delhi, July 25, 2023: HD Deve Gowda’s Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) has firmly stated its stance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, asserting that the party will contest independently and not join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance.

Former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, along with his son, ex-Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, had previously aimed to play a pivotal role in Karnataka politics. However, their ambitions were thwarted as the Congress secured a resounding victory, forming the government without any coalition.

Following the setback in Karnataka, there were speculations about a potential alliance with the BJP for the state’s 28 Lok Sabha seats. Nevertheless, HD Deve Gowda unequivocally dismissed these rumors, clarifying that the JDS is committed to building its strength independently in the upcoming general election.

Contrary to Deve Gowda’s statement, last week, Kumaraswamy and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai had announced that their parties would “work together” to address the Congress government’s actions after ten BJP MLAs were suspended from the Assembly.

It’s worth noting that the JDS was not part of the recent meeting of 26 opposition parties in Bengaluru under the “I.N.D.I.A” umbrella to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in the 2024 election.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused Kumaraswamy of attempting to destabilize the state government, claiming to have information about his visit to Singapore to strategize with others.

As the political landscape in Karnataka continues to evolve, Deve Gowda’s firm declaration of independence for the JDS in the upcoming elections adds another intriguing layer to the state’s political dynamics.