Bengaluru, Feb 14 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday rejected rumors regarding leadership disputes within the JD(S)-BJP coalition, emphasizing that now is not the time to debate who will lead Karnataka as Chief Minister.

Addressing the chatter about the coalition with the BJP and the requests from some supporters for him to be considered for the Chief Minister role, Kumaraswamy stated there is ample time for such discussions. “It’s premature to talk about this now; it would be like designing a cap before the child is born,” he quipped.

“There is absolute clarity regarding our alliance with the BJP, and I remain open to collaboration for the upcoming Greater Bengaluru civic elections,” he added.

While responding to media questions at the party’s state headquarters, J.P. Bhavan, Kumaraswamy pointed out that the immediate focus is on bolstering the alliance and enhancing political efforts in the state.

“This is not the time to discuss leadership roles. The current government is ineffective. My aim is to displace this corrupt and inefficient Congress-led administration and establish a government that serves the people. The JD(S) and BJP will unite to achieve this,” he stated.

Regarding the discussions about the alliance and the Chief Ministerial position, he mentioned he doesn’t see the necessity to react to such comments. “If I respond to every remark, it might give the impression that I lack maturity. Therefore, I will refrain from commenting on that. We will strengthen the alliance, contest elections together, and form a government that prioritizes the welfare of the people,” Kumaraswamy declared.

“My goal has consistently been to oust this anti-people government in the state. I have reiterated this from the beginning,” he added in response to another inquiry.

He noted that internal discussions are ongoing, and no conclusions have been reached. “Various discussions occur within different parties. Nothing is finalized. The Assembly elections are still two years away, while local body elections will take place in four to five months,” he explained.

Concerning the local body and Greater Bengaluru elections, Kumaraswamy stated that formal discussions between the two parties have yet to take place. “When the appropriate time arrives, we will certainly engage in discussions. My party and I are transparent regarding the alliance. When the situation calls for it, we will address it on the party platform and make a decision. There is no ambiguity about the alliance now, nor will there be in the future,” asserted the Union Minister.

He mentioned that all political parties are gearing up for the upcoming elections, and JD(S) is also holding regular meetings. “Even in today’s meeting, we did not broach the subject of the alliance. We will talk about it when the time is right,” he added.

In response to a question about Congress MLAs traveling abroad for study tours, he remarked: “They can travel wherever they wish, even for study purposes. However, they must address the issues faced by the populace.”

Kumaraswamy also convened a meeting at the party office to review preparations for the Greater Bengaluru civic elections.

He consulted with Members of the Legislative Council, former MLAs, and other leaders from Bengaluru Assembly constituencies.

“The Supreme Court has mandated that the Greater Bengaluru civic elections be completed by June 30. Regardless of whether this government conducts the elections, we must be ready,” he instructed party leaders, urging them to enhance preparations at the booth, ward, and Assembly constituency levels.

Among those present at the meeting were MLA M.T. Krishnappa, MLCs T.A. Sharavana and Javarayi Gowda, City JD(S) President H.M. Ramesh Gowda, former MLCs K.N. Tippeswamy and E. Krishnappa, former MLA Nisarga Narayanaswamy, senior leader Gottigere Manjunath, and several others.