All eyes on JD(S) ahead of July 18 NDA meeting

BENGALURU: While there is much speculation about the newfound closeness between the JD(S) and the BJP in the state, especially after the latter had declared that it will not have any sort of understanding with the former in the run-up to the Assembly election, the overtures by both sides are being keenly watched. Questions are also being raised on whether JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy will open up to friendship with PM Modi.

The national BJP president, J P Nadda, will attend the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting on July 18 and there is curiosity whether Kumaraswamy will also attend. If he does participate, future ties and positions will be finalised only thereafter. There is curiosity in political circles on the contours of the relationship if the BJP and JD(S) do come to a political understanding.

If the negotiations between the BJP and JD(S) come through, the two may come to an understanding on a pre-poll or post-poll election ahead of next year’s Lok Sabha election. As per political experts, if there is a pre-poll alliance, the two parties could discuss seats sharing among the 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.

There is talk that the formula could be 23+5 seats or 20+8 seats. If the negotiation is successful, there is a possibility that JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy may get a position at the Centre. If the seat sharing is successful, the will also work out way to unitedly take on the ruling Congress in the state.