The Congress party has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party for denying a Rajya Sabha seat to Janata Dal (Secular) chief and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The BJP nominated Prof M Nagaraja as its candidate for one of the four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka that will go to polls on June 25. This decision has sparked a political controversy, with Congress terming it an insult to both the JD(S) and the people of Karnataka.
Congress Reacts Strongly
Congress leaders expressed outrage over the BJP's choice, accusing the party of sidelining a respected leader like Deve Gowda. They warned that this move would have political consequences, as it undermines the alliance between the BJP and JD(S) in the state. The Congress also criticized JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy for accepting the perceived insult to his father in order to retain his ministerial position in the Union government.
Political Dynamics in Karnataka
The Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka are crucial given the current strength of parties in the state assembly. The Congress holds 135 seats in the 224-member assembly, while the BJP has 62 and the JD(S) has 18. With four Rajya Sabha seats up for election, the Congress has fielded Mallikarjun Kharge as one of its candidates. The term for these seats ends on June 25, making the polls necessary.
The BJP's decision to nominate Prof M Nagaraja instead of Deve Gowda has raised questions about the stability of the BJP-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka. Analysts suggest that this could strain relations between the two parties, especially with the JD(S) being a junior partner in the coalition government at the centre. The Congress has vowed to make political capital out of this issue, highlighting the BJP's disregard for regional allies.
As the Rajya Sabha polls approach, all eyes are on how the JD(S) will respond to this perceived slight. The party's leadership faces a dilemma between maintaining its alliance with the BJP and standing up for its chief. Meanwhile, the Congress is expected to use this issue to consolidate its position in the state ahead of future elections.
