Tue Jan 06 23:52:17 UTC 2026: # Cracks Appear in BJP-JD(S) Alliance as Local Body Elections Loom

The Story

The alliance between the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka faces its first significant test as local body elections approach. Despite the alliance at the state and national level, district-level BJP leaders in Mandya have expressed their intent to contest the local body polls independently. This decision comes shortly after JD(S) national president H.D. Deve Gowda indicated that the alliance might not extend to these elections. The BJP’s stance reveals underlying tensions and differing strategic interests within the coalition.

Key Points

  • H.D. Deve Gowda signaled that the JD(S)-BJP alliance might not apply to local body elections.
  • BJP leaders in Mandya district have resolved to contest the local body polls independently.
  • Chidananda, a BJP leader, announced the decision after a district core committee meeting.
  • Former Minister Narayana Gowda expressed concern over JD(S)’s decision to go alone, given the BJP’s support for H.D. Kumaraswamy in the Lok Sabha elections.
  • Former MP Sumalatha stated that the district unit will abide by the State and Central leadership’s decision.

Critical Analysis

The timing of this development, following Deve Gowda’s statement, suggests a potential breakdown in coordination and trust between the two parties at the grassroots level. The BJP’s decision in Mandya could be interpreted as an attempt to assert its dominance in a region where it feels it has earned significant political capital through its support for H.D. Kumaraswamy. It could also reflect concerns within the BJP that aligning too closely with the JD(S) at the local level could alienate their traditional voter base.

Key Takeaways

  • The BJP-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka is facing internal challenges related to power-sharing at the local level.
  • Local body elections are proving to be a testing ground for the strength and cohesion of the alliance.
  • Conflicting interests and strategic calculations at the district level are creating friction between the coalition partners.
  • The situation highlights the complexities of maintaining alliances across different levels of governance.
  • The ultimate decision of the BJP State and Central leadership will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of the alliance.

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