Karnataka: Clash between BJP, JD(S) workers at Tumakuru reveals all’s not well in alliance
JD(S) MLA MT Krishnappa accused the BJP leader Kondajji Vishwanath of being responsible for his defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections
There was open friction between the workers of both the parties during a joint coordination meeting that was organised to campaign for their alliance’s candidate Somanna in Tumakuru. Photo: X screengrab | ANI
Foes-turned-allies BJP and JD(S) in Karnataka are facing some teething problems in making their alliance work on the ground as they prepare to put up a united front to fight the Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
There was open friction between the workers of the two parties during a joint coordination meeting that was organised to campaign for their alliance’s candidate Somanna in Tumakuru.
It all began on the stage in full view of the public at Thuruvekere when the JD(S) MLA MT Krishnappa accused the BJP leader Kondajji Vishwanath of being responsible for his defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Before he could defend himself, Somanna stepped in and cooled down the tension.
Vishwanath, incidentally, was earlier in the JD(S) before changing sides and joining the BJP. Most of the JD(S) workers seemed to agree with Krishnappa’s accusation.
The JD(S) have been given three seats by the BJP in Karnataka – Kolar, Mandya, and Hassan. The BJP is hoping that the Vokkaliga support base of the JD(S) in the Old Mysuru region will pay dividends in the elections.
However, both the parties will have to ensure that their ideological differences do not pose a hindrance in working together, especially since the Congress is upbeat after winning the assembly elections last year.