Bengaluru, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and state Congress President, D.K. Shivakumar, indicated on Thursday that there exists a strong possibility of the Janata Dal (Secular) party merging with the BJP in the upcoming period. This speculation is based on the political position of H.D. Kumaraswamy, who serves as the Union Minister of Large Industries and Steel.

Shivakumar made these comments following the induction of JD(S) leader Govindaraj from the Chamarajpet Assembly constituency into the Congress party during an event at the KPCC office.

“Observing Kumaraswamy’s political moves, it seems likely that JD(S) may soon align with the BJP. Should this occur, it would benefit us as it would allow for a direct contest with the BJP. This would eliminate the current confusion of ‘three parties in play but only two parties mattering’,” Shivakumar stated.

“I am pleased to welcome former JD(S) corporator Govindaraj from Chamarajpet, along with his wife Gowramma, Chandrashekhar, former JD(S) leader David, and numerous others who have joined the Congress today. Govindaraj, a long-time family friend, previously organized the JD(S) and even ran for elections. However, he has now chosen the Congress due to his discontent with the collaboration between the BJP and JD(S),” Shivakumar elaborated.

“Our principles are rooted in secularism. This is why these leaders have opted to align with the Congress under the leadership of Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan. The sooner the BJP and JD(S) merge, the more advantageous it is for us. A swift decision on their part would allow us to strategize accordingly. Even leaders from both BJP and JD(S) have acknowledged that they are currently engaging in politics akin to placing a lamp on a dividing wall,” he commented.

Shivakumar noted the substantial uncertainty among party workers regarding their political trajectories in various constituencies.

“With the upcoming Bengaluru civic elections, numerous candidates are eager to contest on Congress tickets. We have received a total of 779 applications from various Bengaluru constituencies, including 247 from Bengaluru West, 199 from Bengaluru North, 129 from Bengaluru South, 106 from Bengaluru Central, and 78 from Bengaluru East,” he mentioned.

He encouraged candidates to submit their applications promptly.

“Submitting applications early allows us to dispatch teams to evaluate who has contributed in their wards, who has not, and who is loyal to the party. Last-minute applications complicate this assessment process. If applications are submitted by January 10, we can complete this process efficiently,” he advised.

Shivakumar asserted that even BJP leaders are recognizing the achievements of the Congress-led government in Bengaluru.

“Issues with drinking water have been resolved, road construction is underway, and property records along with khata transfers are being streamlined. Some BJP leaders themselves have expressed doubts about their party's future in the city. This is why JD(S) leaders have recently mentioned a ‘friendly fight’. We don’t desire a friendly fight; we are ready for a direct contest,” he asserted.

Referring to the decision to split Bengaluru into five municipal corporations, Shivakumar stated that the move is being closely observed nationwide. He emphasized that Chamarajpet is a historical constituency and reiterated the Congress's commitment to inclusivity.

“Several other leaders from different constituencies are in contact with us and wish to join the Congress. We aim to integrate them before the civic elections to avoid delays in decision-making,” he explained.

Shivakumar acknowledged that while wins and losses are intrinsic to politics, the government has already filed an affidavit concerning the civic elections. “This year is designated as an election year, with elections for other local bodies also scheduled. The Chief Minister has consulted with the Rural Development Minister to eliminate existing legal obstacles. Party members should be prepared for the elections,” he said.

He cautioned new members against frequent party-switching. “The JD(S) has often been treated as a personal asset by its leaders. The party lacks a coherent ideology or policy. Now that you have joined us, work together, serve the community, and seize this opportunity while your government is in authority,” Shivakumar concluded.